CNN
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A gunman who held medical employees hostage earlier than killing a police officer and wounding 5 others at a hospital in south-central Pennsylvania Saturday is believed to have visited the power within the days main as much as the incident, authorities mentioned.
The gunman, recognized by officers as Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, was killed in a shootout with police, authorities mentioned.
“I can say presently that Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz did seem to have contact beforehand within the week within the ICU for a medical goal involving one other particular person,” York County District Legal professional Tim Barker mentioned at a Saturday information convention. Barker declined to supply extra data on the person, citing privateness considerations and the continuing investigation.
Although the motive for the assault at UPMC Memorial Hospital within the metropolis of York stays unclear, Barker mentioned the taking pictures gave the impression to be “focused on the ICU.”
“We shouldn’t have any additional data offered this time, however clearly, in case you are arriving at a hospital with a firearm and zip ties and instantly proceed to a selected space and have interaction in these actions that this was focused,” Barker mentioned.
Shortly after Archangel-Ortiz arrived on the hospital, he held a number of employees members hostage –– holding one worker at gunpoint together with her arms tied with zip ties as police breached the ICU and tried to interact in a dialogue with the gunman, police mentioned.
The gunman then went out into the hallway, nonetheless holding the ICU worker at gunpoint and threatening the hostage, when officers opened fireplace and killed him, based on authorities. On the identical time, the gunman opened fireplace and struck three officers, killing one who was later recognized as West York Borough Police Division Officer Andrew Duarte.
The officer had turned 30 years previous on Feb. 17, lower than every week earlier than the Saturday taking pictures, based on the York County Coroner’s Workplace.
“They wanted to make use of lethal pressure as a result of by doing so, they doubtlessly save much more lives, at the same time as they misplaced certainly one of their very own,” Barker mentioned.
The 2 extra regulation enforcement officers shot by the gunman are in steady situation, Barker mentioned.
An intensive care unit physician, nurse and a custodian suffered gunshot wounds, and a fourth worker was injured in a fall, based on Barker. As of Sunday, they had been “medically steady and progressing of their restoration,” the hospital mentioned in a press release.
No sufferers had been injured, Susan Manko, a spokesperson for UPMC Memorial advised CNN.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage of the taking pictures in addition to taking statements from regulation enforcement concerned and people within the neighborhood, the district lawyer mentioned.
The West York Borough Police Division confirmed Duarte’s dying on Fb.
Duarte had joined the division in 2022 after 5 years with the Denver Police Division, based on his LinkedIn profile. In 2021, he acquired a Moms Towards Drunk Driving hero award for his work in impaired driving enforcement, based on CNN affiliate KKTV.
Lt. Alan Ma labored with Duarte throughout his time with Denver Police DUI Enforcement Unit, he advised CNN affiliate KUSA.
“Andrew was an extremely good individual and humorous, outspoken and he beloved his colleagues. He noticed us as his household,” Ma mentioned. “It is going to by no means be simple to know that certainly one of your shut colleagues and a good friend just isn’t right here with you.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro met with Duarte’s mother and father Saturday.
“He was somebody who placed on the uniform of service and went out to try to hold his neighbors protected,” Shapiro mentioned on the information convention Saturday. “He’s to be recommended for a lifetime of service, albeit reduce approach too brief from a lifetime of service to others. We’re deeply grateful to him.”
The governor ordered US and Pennsylvania flags to fly at half-staff in Duarte’s honor.
Pennsylvania misplaced “a hero,” Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Joseph Regan and York County Lodge #73 President Trent Bushman mentioned in a press release.
“Officer Duarte’s bravery and dedication to upholding the regulation are a testomony to the selflessness proven every day by those that have devoted themselves to defending and serving,” the assertion learn.
CNN’s Alaa Elassar, Taylor Galgano, Kia Fatahi, Sharif Paget, Sarah Dewberry, Natalie Barr and Chris Boyette contributed to this report.
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