A surgeon at Nassau University Medical Center attempted to strangle a nurse on Monday, according to Nassau County police.
The doctor, Venkatesh Sasthakonar, 44, of Albertson, allegedly approached the 51-year-old nurse from behind at 4:45 p.m. and wrapped an elastic cord around her neck after a disagreement between the two, according to detectives.
The nurse was treated for substantial pain to her neck, according to police.
Sasthakonar left the hospital and returned several hours later, when he was taken into custody without incident, police said.
Sasthakonar was arraigned Tuesday in First District Court in Hempstead. He is charged with second-degree strangulation and third-degree assault.
A $7,000 bond was issued.
A temporary order of protection was issued for the nurse, who was not identified.
Sasthakonar’s attorney, Melvyn Kenneth Roth, said Sasthakonar was released on bail.
Roth said Sasthakonar’s next court date is Feb. 26.
Efforts to reach Nassau University Medical Center were unavailing.
