A routine holiday shift at AdventHealth DeLand turned chaotic on the evening of July 4 when staff said they had to restrain a patient who allegedly sexually harassed and groped two nurses. Hospital security held the man until DeLand police arrived, and officers later booked him after he was medically cleared. Nurses told officers they confronted the patient as soon as the behavior started, which is when security stepped in.
What Police Say
According to WKRC, officers were called to AdventHealth DeLand at about 6:59 p.m. on July 4 after staff reported a disturbance. Nurses told police the patient, identified as 42-year-old Stephen W. Evans, repeatedly made inappropriate sexual comments and was touching himself before allegedly groping both women. When staff confronted him, police say Evans became verbally aggressive, and hospital security moved in to restrain him.
Security and Arrest
Hospital security kept Evans restrained until officers took custody. After doctors medically cleared him, police say he was discharged from the hospital and transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail, WFTV reported. Law enforcement booked him on two counts of battery on specified personnel, charges that apply to alleged assaults on health care workers. Authorities have not released any details about a possible motive.
Legal Context
Battery on specified personnel is the charge Florida authorities often use when health care workers are assaulted while doing their jobs. State law allows those offenses to be reclassified and carry tougher penalties in some cases, according to the Florida Senate. How prosecutors in Volusia County decide to move forward will show up in formal charging documents and court filings.
Hospital Response and Staff Safety
Nurses say they confronted Evans and called in security before police arrived, and officials later released body-worn camera footage of the arrest, as reported by WESH. The confrontation happened inside AdventHealth DeLand, where staff stepped in quickly to protect their colleagues.
WFTV reported that Evans was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail after medical clearance. Upcoming booking and court records are expected to outline the next steps in the criminal case, including whether local prosecutors move the two counts to formal charges and set an arraignment date.
