A terrifying incident unfolded Thursday night at Evanston Hospital when a hospital security officer was shot during a violent struggle inside the emergency room. The facility, located just outside of Chicago in the northern suburb of Evanston, was placed on lockdown as authorities responded.
According to Evanston police, the confrontation began around 7:26 p.m. when the C.A.R.E. team… a mental health-focused crisis response unit… encountered a man showing signs of psychological distress near a Taco Bell on Sherman Avenue in downtown Evanston.
The man agreed to receive medical help and was transported to Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital by Evanston Fire Department paramedics. Police were not initially involved in the call. However, once inside the ER for evaluation, things took a dangerous turn.
At approximately 7:45 p.m., the man became increasingly agitated during the intake process. Security was called in to assist staff. Moments later, around 7:57 p.m., the man reportedly reached for his personal belongings, prompting a security officer to notice a firearm. A struggle erupted.
During the confrontation, gunshots rang out inside the emergency room. One security officer was hit and suffered injuries described as non-life-threatening. Hospital staff acted quickly, restraining the 28-year-old man until police arrived and took him into custody. A handgun was recovered at the scene.
Hospital spokesperson Spencer Walrath assured the public there was “no active threat” and emphasized that “the safety of patients and staff is our top priority.”
Cmdr. Scott Sophier of the Evanston Police Department praised hospital workers for their rapid response. Meanwhile, visitors and loved ones were left shaken by the event.
“I’m scared. I came to see my baby and now this?” said visitor David Kostal. “It’s shocking for something like this to happen in a hospital.”
The emergency department was immediately placed on lockdown, which remained in effect as of 10 p.m.
