The man is also accused of attacking a personal/psychiatric aide at the hospital about an hour and a half later.
A criminal complaint filed Wednesday through district judge Patrick Lowrey’s office says Grant William Stamm, 27, called Venango County 911 using a telephone at the hospital about 7:51 a.m.
The complaint, which was filed by Franklin state police trooper Brian O’Toole, said Stamm told the dispatcher, “There’s been a shooting at the hospital and I need help.”
After state police responded to the scene, Stamm admitted the call was false and said he did it simply as a prank, not realizing that police would respond.
Shortly after, at 9:12 a.m., Franklin state police responded again to the hospital.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials learned Stamm had struck an aide at the hospital.
The nurse was interviewed at the scene and she said Stamm punched her in the face with a closed fist while she was trying to care for him, the complaint said.
Another nurse, who was a witness to the reported assault, was also interviewed at the hospital. She said she saw Stamm punch the other nurse in the face.
Franklin state police took Stamm into custody and he was later arraigned before Lowrey.
Stamm is being charged with aggravated assault and a misdemeanor count of false alarm to agency of public safety.
He was placed in the Venango County jail after failing to post $100,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday in Central Court.
