A 26-year-old woman, Dashawna Williams, was arrested on December 24 at Methodist South Hospital in Memphis after allegedly assaulting a nurse. Williams reportedly punched the nurse in the face, expressing that she did not want to receive medical care from a white person.
Incident Details
According to law enforcement, Williams admitted to striking the nurse due to the nurse’s race. Officers responded promptly, taking Williams into custody and charging her with assault. Authorities noted that Williams is believed to have mental health conditions; crisis intervention team officers were present during the incident.
Prior Legal Issues
Court records indicate that Williams had an outstanding warrant from December 4 related to a carjacking case. She allegedly approached a man outside a convenience store, pretended to have a gun, and demanded his Nissan Altima. After taking the vehicle, she reportedly sold it for $40. Williams was later arrested for the incident, but charges of carjacking were dismissed due to lack of prosecution. The warrant remained active at the time of her arrest at the hospital.
Current Status
Williams is being held on a $50,500 bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 7, 2025.
Hospital Response
Methodist South Hospital has not publicly commented on the incident. The safety and well-being of healthcare workers remain a priority, and the hospital is expected to review security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Community Impact
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in healthcare settings, including addressing patient biases and ensuring the safety of medical staff. It also underscores the importance of mental health support and intervention in preventing violent incidents.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault and any underlying factors that may have contributed to Williams’s actions.