By Denes Husty III
dhusty@news-press.com
Dr. Paul Arnold turned his back for a moment on a patient who was upset because the doctor wouldn't write him a prescription.
That's when the patient, Gregory S. Powell, 45, of Fort Myers, allegedly attacked Arnold, 65, biting off part of one of the doctor's fingers.
"The doctor just turned his back on him for a moment to do something on the computer and he was viciously attacked," said Sgt. Lisa Barnes, Cape Coral police spokeswoman.
Detectives are searching for Powell. They have an arrest warrant charging him with aggravated battery on a person age 65 or older. That charges carries a maximum 30-year prison sentence.
The attack was reported by the doctor's staff Wednesday morning at Arnold's office on Cape Coral Parkway. Arnold, who has 29 years of experience, practices family and emergency medicine.
Officer Saturino Perez said that, when he arrived, paramedics already were treating Arnold, who was taken to Cape Coral Hospital's emergency room and later released.
The doctor said that Powell became "upset about not receiving a prescription medication," Barnes said.
Powell then "proceeded to bite Doctor Arnold several times, including a bite that actually removed a piece of a finger, including the finger nail," Perez said.
Arnold did not return calls for comment.
His staff said he is expected back in his office today.
Sheriff's deputies were sent to Powell's home at 4833 East River Drive in Fort Myers, but he wasn't there, Barnes said.
Other agencies have also been alerted to be on the lookout for Powell, Barnes said.
Anyone knowing of Powell's whereabouts is asked to call the Cape Coral Police Department at 574-3223, or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780-8477.
7:40 a.m. update
The man detectives say attacked his doctor, biting off part of the doctor's finger, has been arrested.
Gregory Scott Powell, 45, of 4833 E. Riverside Drive, Fort Myers, is in the Lee County Jail this morning on charges of aggravated battery on a person age 65 or older after he allegedly bit off part of a doctor’s finger.
Check news-press.com for updates and read Thursday's story below detailing the incident.
I need my pills!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
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