New Jersey

Nurses, doctor slashed in face in NJ pediatric ICU

The attack happened amid some sort of dispute, though it's not clear what they were arguing about

NBC Universal, Inc.

A woman allegedly slashed two nurses and a doctor in a pediatric ICU at a New Jersey hospital early Friday after an argument, authorities say.

According to investigators, the suspect was visiting a patient in the intensive care unit at Newark Beth Israel Hospital on Lyons Avenue shortly after 7 a.m. when she got into a dispute with staff.

It wasn't clear what they argued over, but police say the suspect attacked the three medical staffers with some sort of cutting implement. All three are expected to be OK. They also suffered lacerations to the face.

In a statement, the hospital said that "a domestic dispute involving two visitors...escalated into a violent incident, resulting in the stabbing of three staff members." The hospital clarified that no patients or other family members were hurt during the incident.

The suspect was taken into custody at the scene. She was later identified as 37-year-old Firdousi Abdul-Hakim, and charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.

It wasn't immediately clear if Abdul-Hakim had an attorney. Police did not share how she got her hands on it inside the hospital.

Police say their investigation is ongoing.

Copyright NBC New York
Contact Us