West Virginia Police Shoot, Kill Knife-Wielding Man in Hospital Emergency Room
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Charleston, W.Va. (AP) – A man wielding a knife was fatally shot by police in the emergency room of Charleston Area Medical Centre’s General Hospital early Friday morning, following an attack on a hospital employee. The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 a.m.,according to Charleston Police Chief Scott Dempsey.
Details of the Incident
The suspect, later identified as Peter Delnardo Lilly, 46, of Charleston, entered the emergency room shortly after midnight seeking medical attention for an unspecified injury. Witnesses reported Lilly quickly became agitated, yelling and exhibiting aggressive behavior towards staff and other patients.He reportedly retreated to a bathroom before emerging with a knife.
According to Chief Dempsey, lilly then lunged at individuals in the emergency room, overturned furniture, and discharged a fire extinguisher. Attempts to de-escalate the situation by those present proved unsuccessful.As an officer arrived on the scene and ordered lilly to drop the weapon, the suspect entered an elevator and attacked a hospital employee. The officer afterward discharged thier firearm,striking Lilly,who was pronounced dead at the scene. The attacked employee sustained no injuries.
Hospital Response and Investigation
Charleston Area Medical Center spokesperson Dale Witte confirmed the emergency room was placed on lockdown for approximately two hours following the shooting. The lockdown was lifted after authorities secured the area and completed an initial investigation. The West Virginia State police are now leading the investigation into the shooting, a standard procedure in officer-involved incidents. No further details regarding the officer involved have been released at this time.
Charleston Area Medical Center General Hospital is a 874-bed tertiary care facility serving a 17-county region in West Virginia. This incident highlights the increasing challenges faced by healthcare workers and the potential for violence in emergency room settings. Hospitals across the nation are implementing enhanced security measures to protect staff and patients.
FAQ
What led to the shooting? The shooting occurred after the suspect attacked a hospital employee with a knife while in an elevator, following a period of erratic and aggressive behavior in the emergency room.
Was anyone else injured? The hospital employee attacked by the suspect was not injured.
what is the status of the investigation? The West Virginia State Police are currently investigating the incident.
Compliance & Disclaimers
This article reports on a developing news event. Information is based on preliminary reports from law enforcement and hospital officials and is subject to change as the investigation progresses. This article does not provide legal or medical advice.
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