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Akron police are investigating the stabbing of a security guard Tuesday night at Summa St. Thomas Hospital.

(File photo)

AKRON, Ohio -- A security guard at Summa St. Thomas Hospital was seriously wounded Tuesday night after being attacked with knives by a patient being brought to the psychiatric ward, police say.

The 54-year-old guard was taken to Akron General Hospital and was undergoing surgery for stab wounds to the neck and abdomen, Akron Police Lt. Rick Edwards said. He was still in surgery as of 9 p.m. and his condition was unavailable.

Edwards says the attack occurred shortly after 7 p.m. as the suspect, a 33-year-old male, was being transported from Akron City Hospital to St. Thomas.

As he was being brought to the psych ward, the suspect pulled out two knives and attacked the unarmed security guard, Edwards said.

Other employees at the hospital were able to subdue the suspect, who was later taken into custody by police without incident. No one else was injured.

It's unknown how the suspect managed to get knives into the hospital, Edwards said. There are no details on why the suspect was being taken to the psych ward.

Michael Bernstein, a spokesperson with Summa Health, said in a statement the guard was attacked "during an unprovoked incident with a patient." He said more details would be provided when they become available.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our officer and his family," Bernstein said in the statement.

Charges are expected to be filed against the suspect later tonight, Edwards said.