Man accused of emergency room stabbing spree

Police have charged a 21-year-old Pahoa man with offenses stemming from a stabbing Wednesday morning at Hilo Medical Center.

Detectives charged Franklin Laney Allen Poulsen Thursday with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree terroristic threatening, two counts of first-degree assault, and a single count of third-degree assault.

According to police, Poulsen grabbed a 25-year-old woman, choking and stabbing her in her hand. A 35-year-old Hilo man and a 25-year-old Pepeekeo man were also allegedly stabbed by Poulsen as they intervened.

Police say a 63-year-old Hilo man, who assisted in subduing Poulsen, sustained facial injuries from being punched by the suspect.

All the victims were treated and released for their injuries sustained during the incident.

​Hilo Medical Center spokeswoman Elena Cabatu said the incident happened about 2 a.m. Wednesday in the hospital’s emergency room. Those injured were health care workers in HMC’s Emergency Department.

“Incidents like this really highlight the need for protections for health care workers from assault and that’s why we’ve been supportive of legislation to protect health care workers to ensure our workers’ safety.”

Cabatu said the hospital does have a security station in the emergency department.

The most serious charge, attempted second-degree murder, carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole upon conviction. First-degree assault is a Class B felony carrying a possible 10-year prison term, while first-degree terroristic threatening is a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Third-degree assault is a misdemeanor.

A check of Hawaii court records turns up no prior criminal record for Poulsen. Bail for Poulsen was set at $312,000. He’s due in court this afternoon.