Hospital patient accused of assaulting state trooper

A patient at Wernersville State Hospital faces assault charges after she allegedly punched a Pennsylvania state trooper in the face aobut 4:30 p.m. Jan. 23 in a room at Reading Hospital, at South Sixth Avenue and Spruce Street in West Reading. The trooper was interviewing the 21-year-old woman about a rape accusation she had made. After the meeting the trooper told the patient she’d have to go back to Wernersville State Hospital, where she’s staying by court order. The woman walked toward the door, yelling she wouldn’t go back there. After ignoring orders to sit down, she punched the state trooper in the face. The suspect now faces charges of simple assault, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, harassment and two counts of disorderly conduct. She was jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail.