SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A security officer at an Arizona hospital was shot and wounded by a patient in the emergency room on March 2.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Maximillian Yanofsky, was brought to the emergency room at the HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center by his cousin after exhibiting “paranoid behavior” the night before, AZ Central reports. Yanofsky was also having “hallucinations and hearing voices,” according to court documents.
Yanofsky reportedly became argumentative and demanded to be released. While staff was preparing his discharge paperwork, Yanofsky left his hospital room and barricaded himself in an ER bathroom. Three security officers unlocked the bathroom door and Yanofsky “charged” at them while holding a handgun.
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When several Scottsdale Police officers arrived at the scene, multiple security officers and hospital employees were wrestling with Yanofsky. During the scuffle, Yanofsky shot one of the officers in the upper body. He was quickly disarmed and detained by other members of the hospital security team before Scottsdale officers arrested him.
The unnamed victim was taken to HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center and was placed in the intensive care unit in critical condition. He remained hospitalized Monday but is expected to survive his injuries. A second security officer suffered a minor injury to their hand or wrist while subduing the suspect. Yanofsky was booked into the the Maricopa County Jail on multiple charges, including aggravated assault.
Scottsdale Shea Medical Center Patients Barricaded in Waiting Room
Patient Kelsea Thompson said she and about 10 other patients barricaded themselves in a waiting room after a “code silver” warning, which indicates an active shooter, was announced over the intercom.
“I looked for the heaviest stuff in the room and just started pushing it and piling it in front of the door,” Thompson said. “I think for what it was, they handled it pretty well. I just think they need to get better security for people coming in the hospital.”
Scottsdale Police said it is still a “very active investigation” and that detectives are speaking to witnesses and collecting evidence. An HonorHealth spokesperson said they would not be issuing a statement until the investigation is complete.
