Man fled hospital nude, attacked homeowner with hammer

NEWBURYPORT, Mass. – Police say a Massachusetts man fled naked from a hospital, broke into a nearby home and attacked its resident with a hammer.

Newburyport Police say 26-year-old Robert Girard, of Amesbury, fled Thursday night from Anna Jaques Hospital after removing his IVs and GPS monitoring bracelet. Officers found him after a resident living near the hospital reported a man broke into her home and attacked her partner with a hammer.

The victim, a 50-year-old man, was treated at the hospital and released Friday. Police didn’t disclose his name or the extent of his injuries.

Girard pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and aggravated burglary at his arraignment Friday. He was held without bail and will appear to court again sometime next week.