A tragic incident unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, when a gunman armed with a pistol and zip ties entered the hospital's intensive care unit on Saturday. The assailant, identified as Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, took several staff members hostage, including a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian. The situation escalated into a shootout between the gunman and law enforcement officers, resulting in the death of one officer, Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department.
During the confrontation, three hospital staff members and two other officers sustained gunshot wounds, while a fourth staff member was injured in a fall. The officers, from various agencies, engaged the shooter after he was found holding a female staff member at gunpoint with her hands tied. The police were forced to use deadly force, resulting in the death of the gunman.
West York Borough Manager Shawn Mauck expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Officer Duarte, a seasoned law enforcement professional who had previously served with the Denver Police Department. Duarte's commitment to public safety was evident through his accolades, including a 'hero award' from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his efforts in impaired driving enforcement.
UPMC Memorial Hospital, a 104-bed facility established in 2019, was shaken by the violent incident. The shooting at the hospital is part of a concerning trend of gun violence in healthcare settings across the United States. Hospitals and medical centers have faced increasing threats, making healthcare one of the most violent fields for workplace violence, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This tragic event adds to a series of violent incidents in healthcare facilities in recent years, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures and preparedness. The community mourns the loss of life and the impact of such senseless acts of violence on healthcare workers and patients.
