TEWKSBURY, MA — A patient at Tewksbury State Hospital was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon following an altercation Monday, police said.
Officers responded to a report of an assault at the hospital's Nichols Building at 2:05 p.m.
The Nichols Building houses a second step detox run by Beth Israel Lahey Health.
An investigation found that a 45-year-old patient assaulted another patient with a sharp object after accusing him of stealing, according to police.
The patient will be arraigned Tuesday in Lowell District Court.
“This incident once again underscores the daily safety risks present on the campus of Tewksbury State Hospital,” Police Chief Ryan Columbus said in a statement. “The individual involved reportedly has 129 entries on their criminal record. We are fortunate the situation did not result in serious injury or loss of life."
Town officials have been critical of a recent state decision to remove less-than-lethal weapons from safety personnel at Tewksbury State Hospital.
Related: Tewksbury Leaders Challenge State's Policy Change On Hospital Security
Monday's arrest is the latest in a string of violent incidents at the hospital that police have responded to.
Related: Man Charged In Assault At Tewksbury State Hospital, Police Say
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