PHOENIX — Phoenix police have arrested three staff members at Valleywise hospital who are accused of abusing a patient earlier this summer.
The patient, who has quadriplegia, was allegedly pushed out of the hospital on Campbell Avenue and left lying on the ground of a nearby park on June 14. The patient's mother came to the park and called 911, according to police.
Police said video evidence helped them to build a case against three individuals: Luis Garcia, 53, Eric Espinoza, 39, and Kalen Powell, 37.
An indictment filed last week in Maricopa County Superior Court charges each of the suspects with vulnerable adult abuse. Phoenix police said they arrested the suspects on Aug. 25.
A spokesperson for Valleywise Health said the three security officers have been placed on administrative leave.
"This incident is an opportunity to reevaluate all of our processes to ensure our health system is providing the highest level of care for each and every patient, even under the most difficult and challenging circumstances," the spokesperson said.
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