Minnesota Hospital Security Guard Dies After Christmas Day Attack

Wyoming, MN (MinnesotaNow) - A security guard at a Minnesota hospital was fatally injured in an assault that occurred on Christmas Day.

The Wyoming Police Department announced today that 43-year-old Andrea Merrell of North Branch died from injuries she sustained during the assault. An earlier statement indicated Merrell, a member of the security team at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, was attacked by a 35-year-old man in the emergency department shortly before 5:30 p.m. Dec. 25.

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Police Responded to Report of Runaway Patient

A news release says Wyoming police first responded to a report of a patient who had run from the emergency department after being placed on a hold. A responding officer found the man in the parking lot and reported he “was non-compliant and physically resisted the officer during a prolonged engagement” before being taken into custody.

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Suspect Identified

An update on the incident issued today identified the man as Jonathan Winch of Chisago City. Wyoming police say he was initially taken to the hospital for evaluation and is now being held in the Chisago County Jail pending the filing of formal charges.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting the Wyoming Police Department with the investigation into the deadly assault.

HAVE YOU SEEN ME? 30 Kids Missing From Minnesota

As of December 4, 2025, 27 children are missing from across Minnesota who have still not been found, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. If you have seen any of them, or have any information on their whereabouts, please don’t hesitate to call 911, or you can call the National Center at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST).

Gallery Credit: Minnesota Now

Source: Minnesota Hospital Security Guard Dies After Christmas Day Attack