Police officer, gunman killed after shots fired at York, Pennsylvania hospital

A West York Borough police officer and a gunman were killed a shooting Saturday morning that injured multiple staffers at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County, Pennsylvania, the district attorney said.

The gunman, armed with a handgun and carrying zip ties, went inside the hospital’s intensive care unit. He then took UPMC staffers hostage before he was ultimately killed by police in a shootout, according to officials.

York County District Attorney Tim Barker identified the shooter as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz. During a press conference with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Barker said Archangel-Ortiz opened fire in the hospital and hit three staffers, including a doctor who was grazed, along with a nurse and a custodian who are said to be in stable condition.

A fourth staffer was injured but not from the gunfire. Barker said the staffer fell and sustained some injuries.

UPMC officers immediately responded, but Barker said Archangel-Ortiz fired at them while holding individuals hostage. The officers contacted neighboring law enforcement authorities for backup.

Law enforcement went to engage Archangel-Ortiz and breach the ICU, but the gunman was holding a UPMC staffer at gunpoint and ordered police to get back.

Officers complied to keep the staffer from harm and tried to engage in a discussion with the gunman. Archangel-Ortiz then came out into the hallway, holding a staffer at gunpoint with a zip tie tied around their hands.

“Holding her at gunpoint, coming out into the hallway, the officers left with no recourse, did open fire and did shoot and kill Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz,” Barker said.

During the armed confrontation, three officers were struck: one with the Northern York County Regional Police Department, another with Springettsbury Township Police Department – both of whom are stable. The third officer, Andrew Duarte with the West York Borough Police Department, was killed.

“It is absolutely clear and beyond any and all doubt that the officers were justified in taking their action and using deadly force,” Barker said. “Quite frankly, they needed to use deadly force because by doing so they potentially saved even more lives, even as they lost one of their own.”

Barker added that the attack appeared to be targeted at the ICU. Archangel-Ortiz had contact earlier in the week with the ICU for a “medical purpose involving another individual,” the district attorney said.

UPMC shared on social media earlier Saturday, “We have received confirmed reports of a gunman at UPMC Memorial, and shots fired. The gunman is deceased, and no patients have been injured. The hospital is now secure but is on divert.”

“The hospital is now secure. Law enforcement is on premises and is managing the situation,” UPMC told CBS News in an emailed statement.

State police Troop J Major Case Team is investigating the shooting.

The health network established hotlines for patients’ families who need more information at 717-849-5338 and 717-849-5334.

Community honors Officer Andrew Duarte

West York Borough shared a tribute honoring Officer Andrew Duarte, who was killed while responding to the mutual aid call at UPMC.

“Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to West York Borough Police Officer, Andrew Duarte’s family and all of our brothers and sisters in the West York Borough Police Department that have lost a comrade and friend, and furthermore our fellow Borough agencies that have lost a colleague. Our community grieves the loss of a hero,” a statement from West York read in part.

Duarte had worked with the West York Borough Police Department for over two years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to this, he worked at the Denver Police Department for five years.

Joseph Regan, Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge president, and Trent Bushman, York County FOP Lodge #73 president, also issued a statement honoring Duarte.

“Pennsylvania lost another hero today. Officer Duarte’s bravery and commitment to upholding the law are a testament to the selflessness shown daily by those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and serving,” the statement read in part. “We stand together with the West York Borough Police Department in honoring Officer Duarte’s sacrifice.”

Pennsylvania Attorney General David Sunday Jr. gave his condolences to the family and friends of Duarte.

“I want to offer my sincerest condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Officer Duarte, who was doing his duty answering a mutual aid call in a neighboring township,” Sunday Jr. said in part. “I pray for the Northern York County Regional Police and Springettsbury Township Police officers and the three hospital workers who are recovering from their injuries. May we stand together in this heartbreaking moment, humbled by their strength and bravery.”

Tense moments between Trump, Maine governor on transgender executive order, reporters say

FBI Director Kash Patel has first full day on job, plans to implement major changes

Man serving 5 life prison sentences walks free after judge gives second chance

EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel