STATE COLLEGE — A man is in custody after allegedly attempting to rape and subsequently injuring two nurses during a violent attack at a Mount Nittany Medical center in State College, police said.
Conner C. Patterson, 26, of State College, was arrested Friday, April 18, and charged with attempted rape by forcible compulsion, indecent assault, harassment, assault by a prisoner and disorderly conduct.
According to an affidavit filed by police, the incident began when Patterson made a remark to hospital staff about needing sex. Approximately 20 minutes later, police say he approached the nurses’ station, grabbed a nurse by the hair and dragged her into his room.
Once inside, Patterson allegedly pushed the nurse onto his bed, causing her to strike her head on the bed frame. He then attempted to pull her pants down, police wrote in the affidavit.
A second nurse who attempted to intervene was pushed against the wall by Patterson, authorities said. She sustained a lower back injury during the struggle and also had her pants pulled down by Patterson during the altercation, according to the affidavit.
Hospital security and the director of emergency services responded to the scene and were eventually able to restrain Patterson. The director told police that Patterson slammed him against a wall while he was attempting to subdue him, resulting in neck and shoulder pain.
Patterson was arraigned Friday, April 18, before District Judge Casey McClain, who denied him bail. McClain cited Patterson’s homeless status and the violent nature of the crimes in his decision.
Before the incident, Patterson was originally incarcerated at the Centre County Prison on robbery charges but was released Wednesday, March 26, from the Centre County Prison on a $30,000 unsecured bail.
Patterson is currently being held at the Centre County Correctional Facility.
According to court documents, Patterson’s formal arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14.
Anyone with additional information about the case is encouraged to contact the State College Police Department.
