A Vermont man is accused of assaulting a patient at the Hardwick Health Center

A Vermont man is accused of assaulting a patient at the Hardwick Health Center and assaulting a police officer. David Ring, 68, of Morrisville, pleaded not guilty in court on Monday to misdemeanor charges of simple assault, simple assault on a protected professional and disorderly conduct by fighting. Ring was then released on conditions by Judge Justin Jiron. According to court documents, a health center employee told police she witnessed Ring assaulting a 65-year-old patient in the health center waiting room. The witness said Ring had been there earlier that morning for a blood draw but left aggressively after. The witness said she was standing at the registration counter facing the waiting room, where the alleged victim was sitting waiting for his appointment. Ring comes back in shortly after leaving, opens the door, and walks directly over to the alleged victim. The witness stated she heard Ring shout, ‘run while you can,’ and proceeded to hit the alleged victim with the back of his right hand. The hit connected with the alleged victim’s right side of his mouth. Then Ring turned around and walked out. Ring faces a possible sentence of over three years in prison and a $2,500 fine.