Chandler behavioral health facility patients attack nurses and police, steal drugs

Juvenile patients assaulted staff — and responding police officers — and stole and consumed medication at a Chandler behavioral health facility Sunday, authorities said.

Officers responded to reports of a large disturbance at Oasis Behavioral Health near Arizona Avenue and Warner Road about 7:30 p.m., according to the Chandler Police Department.

A nurse who was assaulted during the disturbance, which involved dozens of patients, was taken to a local hospital by co-workers.

The juvenile patient who attacked the nurse was arrested on one count of aggravated assault.

Patients broke into medication room while Chandler police were investigating

While officers were still conducting their investigation, several juvenile patients broke into a locked medication room about 10:30 p.m., damaged a dispensing machine and ingested controlled substances, police said.

Two more staff members, including a nurse, were assaulted during the second incident, and two officers were assaulted as they worked to gain control of the situation.

Chandler Fire Department personnel treated multiple patients who consumed the stolen drugs and took them to a hospital.

Four juvenile patients involved in the second disturbance were arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault.

Police said Oasis Behavioral Health has been the site of 278 general offense reports in 2026.

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