GROVE CITY, Ohio — A hospital patient is facing serious criminal charges following an incident at Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital late Wednesday evening.
The suspect, Zachary Mair, 31, reportedly seized the officer’s firearm, and discharged it within the hospital premises, reports the Columbus Dispatch. Fortunately, no individuals were struck by the bullet, which lodged into a wall.
How the Mount Carmel Grove City Shooting Happened
The altercation occurred just before midnight on Wednesday when Mair, under the escort of a security officer in a hospital hallway, allegedly grabbed the officer’s gun, reports WCMH. According to Grove City police, the firearm was still in its holster when Mair managed to fire it.
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Two additional security officers, alongside the initial officer, successfully restrained Mair until police arrived.
The security officer involved in the initial confrontation sustained minor hand injuries.
Following Mair’s hospital release, he was taken to Franklin County Jail, where he is being held on a $150,000 bond. Authorities have charged him with aggravated robbery, felonious assault, and discharging a firearm into a habitation.
Ohio Nurses Association Voice Workplace Safety Concerns
The incident at Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital has reignited discussions about workplace safety within healthcare settings. The Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) described the event as “deeply disturbing – but not surprising,” highlighting ongoing concerns about violence in healthcare environments.
A 2024 staffing study referenced by ONA revealed that 65% of direct care nurses encountered workplace violence that year. Moreover, 63% of nurses are contemplating exiting bedside roles due to the current industry climate.
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Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital expressed its commitment to safety, stating, “Safety is one of our core values, and our top priority is ensuring everyone remains safe at our care sites. We are reviewing the incident to determine whether any improvements can be made to further enhance safety,” reports 10TV.
