HOSPITAL CHAOS: JFL Security Director Assaulted with Cell Phone in ER Melee

By JOHN McCARTHY / St. Croix Sun Staff Writer

KINGSHILL — A St. Croix woman is appearing in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands this morning following a chaotic Wednesday afternoon disturbance in the Emergency Room at the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, which left the hospital's Director of Security injured.

Yanira Rosario was arrested on May 27, 2026, and remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility after being unable to post $25,000 bail. She faces multiple criminal charges, including Third-Degree Assault, Simple Assault and Battery, and Disturbance of the Peace.

According to a sworn probable cause fact sheet filed by JFL Police Officer Akil McFarlande, the incident began when hospital security received an urgent overhead page requesting immediate assistance in the Emergency Department.

Upon arrival, security personnel and JFL Director of Hospital Security Winsbut McFarlande Sr. encountered Rosario, who was reportedly acting in a disruptive and boisterous manner. The attending nurse informed security that Rosario was using vulgar language and directly interfering with the medical staff's ability to properly assess and treat Rosario's mother, who was a patient in the ER.

When requested to leave the treatment room so patient care could continue, Rosario flatly refused, stating she would not move until her brother arrived to take her place.

The fact sheet details that as Director McFarlande attempted to de-escalate the situation by raising his hand in a calming gesture, Rosario slapped his hand away and became increasingly agitated, continuing to direct abusive language at the nursing staff.

The situation turned physical when a contingent of security officers attempted to escort Rosario out of the Emergency Department for staff and patient safety. Officers state that Rosario tensed her body, physically resisted the escort, and subsequently struck Director McFarlande on top of his head with her cellular device.

Director McFarlande, defending himself, struck Rosario in the head with his hand to gain compliance, ultimately escorting her outside the department.

According to court documents, Director McFarlande sustained a visible hematoma to the top of his head as a result of being struck with the phone and required first aid care from the attending ER nursing staff.

Rosario was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station in Mars Hill for booking. Her Advice of Rights hearing is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. today before the Hon. Christopher M. Timmons.