A West York Borough police officer and a gunman were killed and multiple people were injured after shots were fired at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, officials said.
York County District Attorney Tim Barker said the man went inside UPMC with a bag carrying a handgun and zip ties. The man then went straight to the hospital’s ICU and fired the gun, injuring three staff members, including a doctor, nurse and custodian, the Associated Press reported.
A responding officer was killed in a shootout, while two others were injured before the gunman was fatally shot.
“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,” UPMC said on social media Saturday.
“The hospital is now secure. Law enforcement is on premises and is managing the situation,” UPMC told CBS News in an emailed statement.
West York Borough shared a tribute to the officer, identified as Andrew Duarte, on social media. According to West York Borough, Duarte 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 the borough of York read in part.
WHP-TV, the CBS affiliate in Harrisburg, reported that four people were hospitalized following the shooting.
Joseph Regan, Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge president, and Trent Bushman, York County FOP Lodge #73 president, 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 State Police Trooper James Grothey said state police and officers from local police departments in York County responded to the active shooting incident on Saturday. The county Office of Emergency Management told WHP-TV that officers responded to a “threat” at the hospital that was then “neutralized.”
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.
