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Gunman Kills Coworker At Hospital, Then Wounds Two Police Officers In Shootout

[Twitter Screenshot Wakisha Bailey]

Brianna Lyman News and Commentary Writer
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A gunman opened fire at a Philadelphia hospital early Monday morning, killing his 43-year-old coworker before wounding two police officers in a shootout, according to authorities.

The incident unfolded shortly after midnight when a 55-year-old man wearing scrubs shot and killed a 43-year-old certified nursing assistant on the ninth floor of the Jefferson Hospital in Center City, according to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw.

The suspect was a nursing assistant at the hospital, but it is unclear how the suspect knew the victim, according to CBS Philadelphia.

Hospital employees were notified through text that there was an active shooter, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Enact emergency procedures,” the text reportedly read. “Run, Hide, Fight.” (RELATED: Active Shooter Killed 1, Injured 12 – ‘Horrific’ Event Forced Supermarket Shoppers To Hide In Offices And Freezers)

The 55-year-old was allegedly armed with several weapons, including what authorities believe was an AR-15, Outlaw said. He was also wearing body armor.

Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene in a U-Haul truck before police located the suspect near Parkside Avenue in West Philadelphia, according to Outlaw. Authorities arrived on scene, and the suspect exited the vehicle before shooting at officers.

One officer was hit in the elbow, requiring surgery, while another was grazed on his nose, Outlaw said. Both are reported to be in stable condition. The suspect sustained gunfire wounds to his upper body and neck and is in critical condition, according to Outlaw.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw confirmed the incident in a tweet Monday.

“Early this morning, another active shooter took a person’s life in our city,” Outlaw tweeted. “My thoughts are with the family of the victim, and our 4 courageous @PPD16Dist officers – 2 of whom were shot and wounded while apprehending the suspect. Their selflessness and bravery saved lives.”

Philadelphia Police said they were “proud” of their officers who “undoubtedly saved numerous lives by neutralizing a dangerous threat.”