A prosecutor in Creve Coeur, Missouri, has drawn public criticism for pursuing an assault charge against Norman Fishel, an 85-year-old retired research scientist who is severely disabled and can barely walk. The case has caused outrage locally because Fishel's alleged actions occurred while he was reportedly suffering extreme delirium following a hospital stroke, raising questions about the appropriateness of criminally charging a vulnerable patient for behaviour during a medical crisis.

Prosecuting Attorney Stephanie Karr alleges that Fishel grabbed and kicked a nurse who was trying to stop him removing a catheter in the intensive care unit at Mercy Hospital in November 2025. Court documents reviewed by the Daily Mail indicate Fishel was in a state of severe delirium at the time, brought on by a stroke, and his attorneys say he remains semi-paralysed. Karr has previously drawn scrutiny for charging a man who tried to fend off a carjacker, fuelling accusations that she pursues overly punitive cases.