Patient shoots nurse, security guard inside Medical Center ER
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. March 20 2020– An emergency room patient is accused of shooting a nurse and security guard at 11:33 p.m. Wednesday night inside The Medical Center.
Bowling Green Police officers were called to the scene after someone reported shots fired.
Witnesses at the hospital said Jeffrey Fields, 42, had stripped off his medical gown, removed his attached medical equipment and was threatening hospital security with a stool he was holding in his hand, according to his arrest citation.
Medical Center security guards were attempting to restrain Fields and pushed him into a wall, according to the citation.
He then went down to the ground where one security guard was trying to control his hands and another was at his feet. Fields attempted to disarm one of the guards and fired the guard’s weapon while it was still in its holster on the guard.
The bullet struck the other security guard and a nurse lodging in the nurse’s leg, according to his arrest citation. Another nurse was nearby and the guards continued to attempt to control Fields as officers arrived.
Officers had to continue to fight Fields and used a Taser to gain his compliance.
Fields was treated at the hospital, released and taken to the Warren County Regional Jail.
“This is a very unfortunate incident as well as a very odd incident because this doesn’t normally happen. I mean, they see a lot of things in the ER. We respond there to help them with some things sometimes, but nothing has ever reached the seriousness of this nature,” said Officer Ronnie Ward, Bowling Green Police Department.
He is charged with two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, one count of resisting arrest and two counts of menacing.
Med Center Health Chief Executive Officer Connie Smith said in a written statement both of the injured people are expected to make a full recovery.
“Each day our healthcare facilities provide an open and welcoming environment for those who seek care and assistance,” Smith said. “The very nature of our mission requires that we interact with the public in ways that sometimes expose us to those whose violent behavior can cause injury to the very people who are here to help them. Despite all precautions we take to ensure a safe working environment, it is impossible to prevent attack from someone whose behavior we cannot control.
“We deeply regret that anyone sustained injuries last night. There is no doubt in my mind that the proper and prompt response by the ED staff, our security personnel and the Bowling Green Police Department combined to contain this incident before others were injured,” Smith said. “We are cooperating with the local authorities as they continue their investigation this morning.”
“There is never a ‘good’ time for something this troubling to occur, but I know the timing of this incident comes while we are all on heightened sensitivity due to the Coronavirus. Please continue to keep security, the emergency department and our entire Med Center Health family in your prayers,” Smith said.
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