Florida Hospital East in Orlando was locked down for several hours after an elderly patient was reportedly waving a gun in the air, according to an article on the Campus Safety website.
During the incident, a message was played over the hospital’s public address system announcing that there was a shooter in the building.
An elderly patient, who reportedly suffers from dementia, walked down a hallway with a gun and making threats to himself. Deputies say he did not threaten to harm anybody else and did not point the gun at anyone. The man surrendered without incident and was taken into custody. Police also found a knife on his person.
A room-by-room search was conducted. When it was determined that the hospital was safe, the lockdown was lifted. An investigation is being conducted into how the patient was able to get a gun and a knife inside the hospital.
A 'Superbug' Is on the Rise in Hospitals
The Next Generation of Security Tech in Healthcare Facilities
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Petersburg Opens
Why More Facilities are Adding Gender Neutral Restrooms
Massachusetts Hospital Cyberattack Reflects Growing Vulnerability in Healthcare Systems