PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A West Palm Beach woman is facing felony battery charges after police say she struck a doctor and a nurse who were trying to help her make a phone call following her discharge from the emergency room. Joanne Gillespie, 67, was arrested early Tuesday at Good Samaritan Medical Center after an off-duty officer working a detail at the hospital was alerted to a disturbance in an ER room.
According to the probable cause affidavit obtained by BocaNewsNow.com, Dr. Seth Martin and registered nurse Mia Rodriguez told police they were assisting Gillespie with unlocking her cell phone so she could arrange a ride home. Martin said Gillespie began cursing at both of them during the process, then struck Rodriguez in the chest. When Martin stepped in to separate the two, he told police Gillespie struck him in the right forearm as well.
Rodriguez told investigators Gillespie became agitated and backhanded her in the chest before flailing toward Martin once he intervened. The arresting officer noted that both hospital staffers were wearing medical scrubs and hospital identification badges clearly marking them as health care providers. Police said Gillespie showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and trouble keeping her balance, when officers arrived.
Gillespie was taken into custody and held without bond. She was charged with two counts of battery on a health care provider, and police say she declined to give a statement, instead asking to speak with an attorney.
