Jefferson Abington Hospital (Image courtesy of Google StreetView)
A violent incident inside the emergency department at Abington Jefferson Hospital left a physician injured and required multiple officers to subdue a patient, according to authorities.
Michael Charles Cooper Jr., 37, of Royersford, is now facing a felony charge stemming from the incident. The outburst took place after Cooper was arrested and detained for encouraging two pit bull terriers inside his garage to attack officers as they attempted to take him into custody.
At approximately 1:52 p.m., on Feb. 25, hospital security at the facility, located at 1200 Old York Road in Abington Township, contacted the Abington Police Department requesting urgent assistance in Room 608 of the emergency department.
Security personnel reported that a patient, identified as Michael Cooper, had smashed the glass window out of an exam room door and was acting out of control, endangering hospital staff.
Police were also aware from a previous shift that Cooper had been transported to the hospital the night before following a violent encounter with the Upper Moreland Police Department. During that earlier incident, authorities said Cooper allegedly bit an officer on the ear.
Chaotic Scene Inside ER
Upon arrival, officers were met outside by a staff nurse who described the situation as “really bad” before leading them to the 600 section of the emergency department.
According to police, Cooper was standing in the doorway of Room 608, where the upper glass panel of the door had been shattered. Broken glass covered the floor both inside and outside the room. Medical personnel had evacuated the immediate area and were unable to safely reenter due to Cooper’s agitated state and the hazardous conditions.
Officers reported that Cooper was yelling incoherently and appeared bloody. He allegedly refused repeated commands to sit on the hospital bed and instead retreated further into the exam room.
A Taser was deployed but had little effect, police said. Multiple additional attempts were made by several responding officers before Cooper was ultimately taken to the ground.
Physician Injured
While officers worked to gain control, Cooper continued to struggle and resist handcuffing, according to authorities. The floor and the suspect were reportedly covered in blood and broken glass. Hospital security personnel assisted officers in restraining him.
Police said they eventually secured Cooper in handcuffs. Medical staff then sedated him and transferred him to a hospital bed. He was placed in four-point restraints and taken for further treatment. Authorities believe he sustained cuts from broken glass prior to police arrival.
During the incident, the attending emergency room physician, who had been treating Cooper, suffered a facial injury after Cooper allegedly threw broken glass directly into the doctor’s face.
The extent of the physician’s injuries has not been released.
Cooper is facing felony charges of aggravated assault.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2026 at 10:15 a.m. before Judge John D. Kessler.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
