A man killed a patient and an employee at a Florida medical center July 17 in what police are calling a random attack.
David Owens, 29, was restrained by two unarmed security officers at Parrish Medical Center shortly after police say began firing his handgun. The officers held Owens down until police took him into custody, reports wtkr.com.
Owens, who entered the hospital alone through the emergency room, was booked into Brevard County Jail on two counts of first-degree murder and is being held without bond.
“I cannot stress enough, the response of the Parrish Medical Center staff, without a doubt, saved more lives,” says Titusville Police Chief John Lau.
Owens reportedly entered the third floor hospital room of patient Cynthia Zingsheim, 88, and opened fire around 2 a.m. Hospital employee Carrie Rouzer, 36, was also shot and killed.
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Police say the motive of Owens is unclear and that the incident appears to be “extremely random.” Investigators have not discovered any connection between the suspect and the victims.
A spokesperson for the hospital praised the quick reaction of the security officers and expressed condolences for the victims.
“I want to commend our staff and the immediate and fast response they implemented,” spokeswoman Natalie Sellers says. “We’re mourning the loss of one of our care partners, and we’re certainly mourning the loss of one of our patients.”
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