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Nurse Who Allegedly Set Hospital Worker On Fire Found Dead By Police

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Mary Rooke Commentary and Analysis Writer
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The search ended Tuesday for a traveling nurse in New Jersey who allegedly set a hospital staffer on fire after police found him dead.

Nicholas Pagano, a male nurse, was found dead in his car from what authorities believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, according to 6ABC.

Pagano, who had been working for Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) since November 2021, allegedly set the 54-year-old female hospital employee on fire and assaulted her with a wrench early Monday morning, putting her in critical condition, reported the New York Post.

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said the victim received treatment at HUMC emergency room for third-degree burns on her upper body and hands, according to the NY Post. Musella said she also suffered a head wound requiring stitches and was later transferred to a separate medical facility to continue care.

Musella released a statement announcing Pagano was facing five charges: first-degree attempted murder; second-degree aggravated arson against a person; second-degree aggravated arson against property; second-degree aggravated assault; third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

Pagano escaped in a 1998 white Jeep Grand Cherokee with New Jersey plates reading S57NJH, according to Musella’s statement.

“Violence will not be tolerated in our network. Our doctors, nurses and teams are true heroes and deserve our respect. The safety of our patients and our team members is Hackensack Meridian Health’s highest priority,” HUMC said in a statement, according to News12 New Jersey. (RELATED: Nurse Who Sexually Assaulted Incapacitated Woman, Impregnated Her, Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison)

Before Pagano was found dead by police, Musella warned that Pagano was armed and dangerous.