Suspected Hospital Gunman Posed as Victim’s Brother

LAURINGBURG, N.C.

Scotland Memorial Hospital was placed on lockdown on the morning of Feb. 15 after a man who said he was the brother of a patient started shooting in the emergency room.

The accused, Wayne “Wolf” Simmons, allegedly shot Domario Covington, who was at the hospital being treated for injuries from a fight at a club earlier in the evening. Simmons’ daughter was involved in the fight, according to ABC 11 News.

Simmons told hospital officials that he was Covington’s brother and then shot the victim two or three times. Authorities said the suspect tried to shoot Covington’s girlfriend; however, his gun malfunctioned. (Article continues below.)

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The suspect was detained as he tried to leave the building. Around 7:30 a.m., the lockdown was lifted, although hospital entrances continued to be monitored. Hospital officials said security would be heightened for the next few days due to the incident. The additional security measures include hiring local police officers to monitor the emergency room.

Covington remains in critical condition.

Simmons faces charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and discharging a firearm into a medical facility. He is being held at $150,000 bond.

For additional information, click here.

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