Police say 28-year-old Eduard Lopez is charged with assaulting Gardy Coriolan at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre.
The 63-year-old father and grandfather was stepping in to protect a doctor when Lopez, a patient at the time, became violent, according to officials.
Cariolan was beaten so badly, he's now on life support.
Lopez is set to appear in court for a second-degree assault charge, which could be eventually upgraded, given the officer's delicate condition.
The wife of 63-year-old Gardy Coriolan spoke exclusively to Eyewitness News.
Exclusive: Devastated wife speaks out after hospital security guard beaten by patient
"My husband gave his entire life to law enforcement and saving people and serving the community," said the wife of the victim, Sonya Coriolan. "He belonged to someone. He belonged to us."
The investigation is ongoing.
RELATED: Wife devastated after Long Island hospital security guard brutally beaten by patient
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