Patient Charged with Assaulting Nurse at Nashville Psychiatric Unit

Suspect allegedly struck nurse 13 times with a cellphone, causing a concussion

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged cellphone screen, capturing the harsh, gritty details of the device used in an assault on a healthcare worker.A damaged cellphone used as a weapon against a healthcare worker serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by staff in psychiatric units.Today in Nashville

A 28-year-old patient at TriStar Centennial's Parthenon Pavilion psychiatric unit in Nashville has been charged with felony aggravated assault after allegedly attacking a nurse, striking them 13 times in the head with a cellphone and causing a concussion and whiplash.

Why it matters

Assaults on healthcare workers, especially in psychiatric and emergency departments, are an ongoing issue that often goes underreported. This incident highlights the risks faced by nurses and other staff, and the need for improved safety protocols and support in these high-stress environments.

The details

According to a police affidavit, the suspect, Jaichai D. Hamilton, had been involuntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit and tried to leave when two nurses intercepted him. Hamilton then allegedly wrapped his arm around one nurse's head and neck and struck them 13 times in the head with a cellphone, causing a concussion and whiplash. Hamilton is being held on a $15,000 bond for the felony aggravated assault charge.

  • The incident occurred on April 16, 2026 at the TriStar Centennial Parthenon Pavilion psychiatric unit in Nashville.

The players

Jaichai D. Hamilton

A 28-year-old patient who was involuntarily admitted to the TriStar Centennial Parthenon Pavilion psychiatric unit and is accused of assaulting a nurse.

TriStar Centennial Parthenon Pavilion

The inpatient psychiatric unit at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville that provides mental health services, including individual and group therapies, to patients in the area.

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What’s next

The investigation by Metro Nashville police is ongoing, and upcoming court filings will show the next steps as prosecutors move forward with the case against Jaichai D. Hamilton.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for improved safety protocols and support for nurses and other healthcare workers in high-stress environments like psychiatric units, where they face an elevated risk of assault and violence from patients.