On Saturday, a devastating incident occurred at UPMC Memorial Hospital, York, Pennsylvania. A shootout with an armed criminal resulted both in the death of a West York Borough Police officer, and that suspect. According to reports, the harrowing situation, which included a hostage-taking in the intensive care units (ICU) of UPMC Memorial Hospital, also injured three hospital employees and two other police officers.
Context of the UPMC Memorial in Community Context
UPMC Memorial opened in York in 2019. It is a new, five-story facility that has 104 beds. York was founded in 1940, and it’s best known as the home of York Peppermint Patties. This recent tragedy highlights a growing concern about violence in U.S. health care settings.
Centers for Disease Control data indicates that the healthcare profession is disproportionately affected, with more people in this field suffering non-fatal workplace injuries. As security issues for medical centers and hospitals grow, the increased risk of security is apparent. This is just another sad chapter of a troubling trend.
York County Officials provide the details of what happened.
Tim Barker of York County provided a detailed description of events. Barker stated that Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz (49 years old) opened fire on the ICU. UPMC’s officers were first on the scene. Three staff were injured by the gunman: A doctor who sustained a gunshot graze, as well as a nurse and custodian. Both the nurse’s and custodian’s injuries are in stable condition. A fourth member of staff was injured after falling while trying to flee the violence.
DA Barker stated that in an attempt to confront the suspect, law enforcement agents discovered Archangel Ortiz holding a team of nurses hostage and tying them up with zip ties. Officers complied with the gunman’s demand to withdraw. Archangel Ortiz walked into the hallway after trying to deescalate through discussion. He had a staffer at gunpoint with their hands bound with zip ties. Archangel Ortiz was fatally wounded by officers who opened fire.
Three officers were injured during the violent armed encounter. Both the Springettsbury Township Police Department in York County and the Northern York County Regional Police Department have sustained minor injuries. They are both reported to be stable. Officer Andrew Duarte from the West York Borough Police Department died tragically after being injured in the exchange of fire.
District Attorney Barker has also disclosed that Archangel Ortiz previously interacted with the ICU of the hospital earlier in the day regarding “a medical reason involving another person,” suggesting this attack was not a random event but rather a deliberate act.
The Community Leaders’ Speak-Out
Local and state leaders have expressed condolences to victims and their families and extended support for the community following the tragedy at UPMC Memorial Hospital.
York County District attorney Tim Barker In a press release, the statement emphasized that officers had acted in good faith and justified their actions by using deadly force. The officers needed to use lethal force, because it was the only way they could potentially save more lives while also losing one.
Shawn Mauck is the West York Borough manager He shared his pain with me Associated PressWe all feel his pain and mourn for him.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro He expressed on Twitter his thanks to the officers that were involved in this shooting. “Their willingness run towards danger helped to save other lives.”
Governor Shapiro Further added to X on X: I’m grateful for them and all the law enforcement officers who responded today in York.
Investigation and Support Resources for Ongoing Investigation
Pennsylvania State Police Troop J Major Case Team conducts a thorough investigation on the shooting that occurred at UPMC Memorial Hospital. UPMC Memorial Hospital has set up dedicated information hotlines to help families of patients seeking answers. You can call (717-849-538) and (717-849-5334)