Palmetto Summerville Employee Reports Aggravated Assault

An employee at Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health reported an alleged aggravated assault by two facility residents, according to a Summerville Police Department incident report released today.

This is to reportedly happen at the facility at 225 Midlands Parkway in two weeks. The facility has also had in the last two months.

Walter Imko, 25, of Summerville reported that on the night of June 15 he was assaulted by 18-year-old Cedric Coleman of Washington, D.C., and an unnamed minor, age 16, both on "restriction for bad behavior."

According to the report, Coleman initiated the attack on Imko, who was punched in the face. Once Imko fell to the ground, Coleman was joined by another facility resident.

Imko was transported to the nearby hospital where he was treated for for a broken nose and a laceration between his eyes. The reporting officer noted "both eyes were badly swollen and discolored with red and black bruising."

The incident report was made June 16 by Imko at the Summerville Police Department. No arrests were made or charges filed.

In the report, Palmetto Summerville Director Doris Singleton said Coleman has been discharged and sent back to Washington, D.C., to be housed at a juvenile corrections facility. The minor still remains at Palmetto Summerville, according to the incident report.

Summerville Police Department requested a video of the incident but Singleton said the video would not be released without a subpoena.

In a press release received at about 5 p.m. today, the company spokesperson expressed concern for the injured employee.

"This is an unfortunate incident and we are very concerned about the staff
member and his recovery. Facility leaders have met with the employee and his family after the incident and assured them that his medical bills will be covered in accordance with South Carolina guidelines."

On the subject of the nature of the alleged incident, the release stated: "Employees are aware of the nature of our business and the types of patients we serve when they accept a position at our treatment facility. Our patients may at any given time exhibit impulsive or aggressive behaviors due to their disorders which is why they were placed in a treatment facility. Staff members receive ongoing training and education in Crisis Prevention and personal safety techniques."

While the statement goes on to say the facility will work to improve safety, it does not include any specifics.

"Due to the recent challenges faced at our facility, Palmetto is actively working with community leaders to increase security measures to alleviate concerns for the surrounding community."

Palmetto Summerville employs 125 people from the surrounding community.

Updated 5:26 p.m. for inclusion of Palmetto Summerville's press release.