Pennsylvania police officer killed in hospital shooting; gunman dead, officials say

News Room
4 Min Read

A police officer and a gunman were both killed in a shooting at a Pennsylvania hospital in York County on Saturday morning, while at least five others were wounded.

The incident took place at UPMC Memorial Hospital at around 10:45 a.m. Ted Czech, a public information officer at York County’s Office of Emergency Management, told Fox News Digital that his department responded to a 911 call about an “active threat” at the hospital. 

The gunman was identified as Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, who allegedly entered the hospital’s intensive care unit with a semiautomatic weapon and zip ties. Later on Saturday, York County District Attorney Tim Barker said that the suspect held a female nurse at gunpoint and bound her hands with zip ties.

Barker also noted that a doctor, nurse and custodian were injured in the shooting along with two police officers.  The officer who died – Andrew Duarte – was identified in a post by the West York Borough Facebook page.

COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING SURVIVOR DIES NEARLY 26 YEARS AFTER MASSACRE

“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,” the post read. “Our community grieves the loss of a hero.”

Shortly after the shooting, hospital spokesperson Susan Manko confirmed that no patients were injured in the incident.

“We have received confirmed reports of a gunman at UPMC Memorial, and shots fired,” Manko told Fox News.

“The gunman has been apprehended, and no patients have been injured. The hospital is now secure,” Manko said. “This is a fluid situation; law enforcement is on premises and is managing the situation. We are grateful to all the local law enforcement agencies for their quick response.”

Gunman at UPMC Hospital in York, PA
Law enforcement respond to the scene of a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Saturday.  

On Saturday morning, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he was aware of the incident and was en route to the hospital. Later on Saturday, he confirmed that he had met with Duarte’s parents and mourned that the late officer’s life “has been cut far too short.”

“In the midst of senseless violence, law enforcement, first responders, and medical professionals showed true heroism,” Shapiro’s post read. “Tragically, we lost one of those heroes today.”

“This evening, I had the privilege of spending time with Officer Duarte’s parents and fellow officers to express our deep gratitude for Andrew and his service,” the governor’s post continued. “I also visited with two officers who were injured in the line of duty while answering the call to protect their fellow Pennsylvanians.”

Governor Josh Shapiro speaks during a news conference regarding the shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Saturday. 

Shapiro commended the officers’ “willingness to run toward danger” and save lives.

 

“I’m grateful to them and all law enforcement who answered the call today in York,” the Democrat concluded.

Fox News’ Brian Powers and the Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Read the full article here

Share This Article
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *