A 68-year-old man is facing felony charges after punching a paramedic, while in the waiting room of Adventist Hinsdale Hospital.

According to police, Kishor Ajmere, 68, of 906 Valencia Drive in Shorewood was with a member of his family who was received by the emergency room at the hospital. Police say Ajmere became "very agitated" while in the waiting room and punched a Pleasantview paramedic.

Hospital officials say that incidents like this can occur in the emergency room, but the hospital is prepared to handle them. "Patient safety is our top priority, and we do have a security team at the hospital 24/7 for incidents like this," said Lisa Parro. "We work very closely with the Hinsdale Police Department."

"The motive was not identified," said Hinsdale Deputy Police Chief Mark Wodka. "He turned himself in, and the DuPage County State's Attorney approved felony charges. This is because paramedics are a protected class. Otherwise it would have been a misdemeanor."

The paramedic did not need medical treatment for injuries. After turning himself in, Ajmere was arrested by Hinsdale police at 10 a.m. on Oct. 29 and charged with aggravated battery. Aggravated Battery is a Class 3 felony. Although probation is an option, it can carry three to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Ajmere is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 22. 

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