The lone gunman who opened fire inside a Cincinnati hospital Wednesday afternoon is dead after he struck a security officer before killing himself. The police confirmed the gunman’s self-inflicted death.
UC Health officials also shared that the shooting took place at University Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Services in the 3200 block of Burnet Avenue. The authorities believe the shooting happened either in the entryway or in the lobby near the building’s entrance.
Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Issac said that the lone-gunman walked into the building around 2 p.m., and fired “multiple shots.”
The hospital was earlier placed on lockdown when the gunman still posed a threat to those in the area.
Isaac also said that an unnamed security officer was shot. The officer works for UC Health and is not affiliated with the Cincinnati Police Department.
The security officer suffered “very serious” injuries and is being treated at University Hospital. It is expected, however, that the officer will survive.
Isaac shared that right after wounding the officer with a shot, the gunman turned the gun on himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities responded with massive police response to the incident after it was initially reported that there was an active shooter situation. Employees at the hospital were earlier asked to remain in their areas. Visitors and the public were advised to avoid the area of the incident as much as possible.
Both the UC Health and the Cincinnati Police gave active and timely updates, warnings and advisories on social media.
The authorities are still investigating. The identity of the gunman has yet to be released, as well as possible reason or circumstance that could have triggered him to shoot at the security officer before killing himself.
Source:
http://breaking911.com/breaking-active-shooter-reported-univ-cincinnati-medical-center-officer-shot/
