Man opened fire on nurse in Conn. hospital

Nurse suffered non-life threatening injuries

Share Tweet

The Associated Press

DANBURY, Conn. — Police say an elderly patient has shot and wounded a nursing supervisor in a Connecticut hospital.

They say the nurse suffered a non-life-threatening wound while trying to subdue the patient Tuesday afternoon outside the hospital's Heart and Vascular Center. They say he was rushed to the emergency unit for treatment.

Expert Perspective Here’s what you’ve got: An 85-year-old man who’s described as “very mild-mannered” in a hospital setting. No criminal record. No apparent reason to suspect explosive violence. Then...the shooting begins. Surprising? Sure. Out of the realm of belief? Unfortunately, no. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself to prepare for the next attack: Are you ready for anything, at anytime and with anybody? This isn’t to say that you should be constantly paranoid and on high alert every minute of the day. Just be ready. Be sure you have considered the fact that you might be faced with a crisis situation at any time and, unfortunately, in virtually any place and with any individual. Are hospitals in your area educated and prepared? Although it’s common for some to consider hospitals “safe zones,” law enforcement personnel – and hospital personnel, for that matter – can’t make that assumption. Read more: Never make assumptions about a suspect

The Danbury News Times newspaper says the patient accidentally shot himself after the attack while being restrained. There's been no word on his condition or his identity. It's unclear what charges he's facing.

Police haven't said why the shooter had a gun in the hospital.

Danbury Hospital officials say they're continuing to admit and treat patients. The 12-floor hospital has nearly 400 beds and 4,000 employees.

Danbury's mayor calls the nurse "an absolute hero."