A patient at Dover (Delaware) Behavioral Health was charged with attempted murder after allegedly assaulting another patient at the facility, NBC affiliate WRDE reported Jan. 22.
According to a Jan. 22 news release from the Dover Police Department, officers arrived at the facility on the morning of Jan. 21, where emergency personnel were performing lifesaving measures on the victim, a 64-year-old patient at the facility.
Police arrested 29-year-old Derek Chilicas, a patient at the facility according to WRDE, and charged him with attempted first-degree murder, strangulation and possession of a deadly weapon.
The victim sustained serious injuries to his upper body and remains in critical condition, according to Dover Police.
Dover Behavioral Health provides behavioral treatment to children, adults and adolescents. King of Prussia, Pa.-based Universal Health Services owns the facility.
A spokesperson for Dover Behavioral Health told Becker's police and emergency medical services responded quickly to the incident and arrested the aggressor.
"We reported the incident to the state and regulatory authorities, as required. While the incident is currently under investigation, we have counselors available to speak with staff and patients," the spokesperson said. "Patient and staff safety remain our top priority. Our facility is open and serving patients."