HPD

At 1 a.m. Wednesday, Hays Police officers responded to a domestic disturbance at Hays Medical Center. HaysMed security called the police regarding a physical altercation between a man and a woman in a hospital room.

At the hospital, officers spoke to the involved couple, Richard Padley, 50, and Hannah Southworth, 19. Both Padley and Southworth claimed to be homeless and from the Denver area.

During the investigation, the HPD reported, it was learned they had stolen a car from an employee of Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita and abandoned it at the north McDonald’s in Hays. In their possession were stolen medications from Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, the HPD alleged.

It was also learned that Padley had faked a medical condition so he would be admitted to HaysMed in an effort to gain access to medications. While in the hospital room at HMC, Padley and Southworth got into a physical altercation with each other, prompting the call from hospital security.

Padley and Southworth were arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia and domestic battery. Padley also was arrested on suspicion of interference with a law enforcement official. Both Padley and Southworth are being held at the Ellis County jail.

They are considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.