EVANSTON, Ill. — A security officer was shot by a patient Thursday night in the emergency room at Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital.
The incident happened around 7:57 p.m. when nurses were assisting with the intake process of a male patient, ABC reports. The man became agitated, prompting hospital security to enter the room. He then allegedly lunged towards his belongings, pulled out a gun, and fired three to four shots, striking a security officer. Evanston Police Department Commander Scott Sophier said the victim is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Additional security personnel assisted in placing the man in handcuffs before police arrived.
“We are very grateful for the fast-acting response of Evanston Hospital personnel,” Sophier said.
The emergency room was briefly placed on lockdown and bypass, meaning new patients were diverted to other area hospitals. In a written statement Friday morning, hospital spokesperson Spencer Walrath confirmed the lockdown and bypass had ended.
Evanston Police said its Crisis Alternative Response Evanston (C.A.R.E.) Team, which provides non-police response to certain low-risk service calls, came into contact with the 28-year-old man at a nearby Taco Bell where he appeared to be suffering from an unknown mental health condition. He agreed to be evaluated by Evanston Fire Department paramedics and was voluntarily transported to Evanston Hospital.
As of June 6, police had not revealed the shooting suspect’s name or said whether he was in custody.
