Westerville medics asked Columbus police to help them transport a mental health patient to the acute care hospital about 1 p.m. on Thursday. Police spokesman Sgt. Rich Weiner said officers followed the ambulance to the hospital, according to the report.
Police say when the patient stepped out of the back of the ambulance outside of the hospital he was carrying a garbage bag. When he saw a police officer, the man took out what authorities believed to be a gun, and police shot him after he ignored their orders to drop it. The weapon the man was wielding turned out to be a BB gun.
The man was taken to St. Ann’s emergency room, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
According to a statement from St. Ann’s, no patients or hospital employees were involved or injured in the incident. “We are doing everything we can to assist the police with their investigation and to provide support and care to patients, families, visitors and colleagues. Our first priority is always their safety,” the hospital said.
More articles on healthcare news:
Arizona hospital falls into bankruptcy less than 2 years after opening
Quorum closes investigation into spinoff from CHS: 6 things to know
Hedge fund looks to take control of Adeptus Health as bankruptcy looms
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
