Campton Hills man gets 10 years in prison for attack at hospital
The Campton Hills man whose attack on a relative caused a Delnor Hospital lockdown was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison.
Kane County Circuit Judge D.J. Tegeler pronounced the sentence for Justin Patzer, 32, of Campton Hills, according to a news release from the Kane County State's Attorney's office.
Patzer was convicted May 12 of armed violence, as well as aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery and aggravated assault.
On Jan. 27, 2015, people were visiting Patzer's father in an intensive-care unit at the Geneva hospital when Patzer arrived and attacked his brother-in-law.
The two had previously argued via social media over the brother-in-law's criticism of Patzer's mother's decision to have her car repaired, prosecutors said, and Patzer had suggested they fight, according to testimony at Patzer's trial. Patzer choked the victim, and displayed a folding knife. The two were separated by other relatives.
The hospital was locked down for several hours while police searched for him.
He was arrested in Indiana.
His sister testified that after Patzer left the hospital she called him, but he threatened to kill her if she helped police find him.
Patzer is eligible for day-for-day sentencing credit, meaning he could be eligible for release after five years. He is credited with 529 days spent in the Kane County jail awaiting trial.
"Mr. Patzer's public display of violence demonstrated a lack of regard for others. It would be bad enough had this incident occurred in his home. It is inexcusable that it happened in a place where sick people go for comfort and healing," Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon said in the release.