BUTLER TWP — A patient is accused of breaking a nurse's arm during a Monday evening altercation at Butler Memorial Hospital, authorities said.

Kurtis E. Keefer, 38, of Butler is facing felony and misdemeanor assault charges.

Butler Township police said Keefer was at the facility for treatment shortly before 8 p.m. when he tried to leave. He allegedly shoved the nurse, a 34-year-old Butler woman, to the ground, causing a fracture to her left arm.

Keefer remains a patient at the hospital. Police said his arraignment is pending on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.

Under state law, anyone who causes or attempts to cause harm to certain protected workers — including doctors, nurses, emergency technicians and psychiatric aides — can be charged with aggravated assault, a felony.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.