A tragic hostage situation unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania on Saturday, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to five others. The gunman, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, reportedly felt that more could have been done to save his wife, who had been on life support for a terminal illness.
Archangel-Ortiz had been removed from the hospital the night before after displaying emotional distress over his wife’s diagnosis, according to law enforcement officials. The circumstances surrounding her condition remain unclear, including whether she has passed away.
On Saturday morning, Archangel-Ortiz returned to the hospital armed with a gun, zip ties, and duct tape. He took several staff members hostage before engaging in a shootout with police, during which he wounded three officers. Tragically, Officer Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department was killed during this confrontation. Duarte, only 30 years old, died from a gunshot wound to the torso. His legacy will be honored with a memorial service scheduled for February 28 at Living Word Community Church in Red Lion.
In addition to Officer Duarte, a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian suffered gunshot wounds, while a fourth employee was injured in a fall during the chaos. Fortunately, all injured individuals have been reported as medically stable and are progressing in their recovery. Remarkably, no patients at the hospital were harmed during the ordeal.
The investigation is currently being led by the Pennsylvania State Police in cooperation with the York County District Attorney’s Office, and further details will be released upon its completion.
In light of such a distressing event, this situation highlights the deep struggles families face in health crises, often exacerbated by emotional and psychological turmoil. It’s a reminder of the support systems needed for both patients and their loved ones during critical times.