Man Jumps Over Divider, Smashes Computer At Hospital: Police

GREENPORT, NY — A Brentwood man was arrested after he threatened hospital staff and smashed a computer in Greenport Monday, police said.

According to Southold Town Police, the incident took place at 10:18 p.m. at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital. Joseph Vitale, 37, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, intent to damage property and second-degree harassment, physical contact, police said.

Vitale was admitted into Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital's psychiatric unit after a prior incident earlier in the day, police said. Vitale became verbally abusive and threatened hospital staff when he was told he would have to wait for a physician's approval to receive his medications, police said. Vitale then proceeded to jump over a divider and destroy a computer by smashing it on the floor, police said.

Vitale was arrested, processed, and held for arraignment, police said.