YORK, Pa. — A tragic incident unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital when a police officer died during a confrontation with an armed man holding a hospital employee hostage. West York Patrolman Andrew W. Duarte was shot and killed on February 22, and new details reveal he was unintentionally struck by friendly fire from fellow officers. This revelation came to light as York County District Attorney Tim Barker provided an update on the investigation into the shooting.
During the chaotic scene, the suspect, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, was shot at least 15 times by responding officers as he attempted to exit the hospital’s intensive care unit while holding a zip-tied hospital worker. Although the hostage was unharmed, one officer’s shotgun blast inadvertently struck Duarte, contributing to the tragic outcome.
Barker expressed his admiration for the officers’ actions, labeling them heroes who bravely confronted the serious threat without knowing that the gunman’s weapon was empty. “Every officer was willing to risk their lives to protect the hostages,” he said, reflecting on the footage reviewed during the investigation. “Their actions were entirely justified.”
Duarte’s funeral drew hundreds of mourners, who remembered him as a dedicated public servant who lost his life in the line of duty. The examination of Archangel-Ortiz’s actions revealed a deeply troubling background, as a family loss had apparently triggered the violent outburst. Barker reported that Archangel-Ortiz had learned that a woman he lived with had passed away after a week in the hospital, reportedly leading to his emotional unraveling.
The situation escalated quickly once Archangel-Ortiz brandished his firearm, firing on hospital personnel. Reports indicate he hit a doctor in the arm and subsequently held multiple employees at gunpoint. The scene became increasingly chaotic and dangerous, with Archangel-Ortiz even calling his brother during the standoff to communicate his intent.
The rapid response of law enforcement ultimately led to the gunfire exchange, which also injured another officer. According to Barker, no prior warnings indicated that Archangel-Ortiz was capable of such violence, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the situation. “Sometimes, there is no explanation for such actions,” he noted.
In the aftermath, nurses who witnessed the attack have begun to share their harrowing experiences on social media, shedding light on the trauma faced by health care workers in violent incidents. One nurse, Tosha Trostle, recounted her terrifying near-miss with the attacker as law enforcement barricaded the entrance.
The incident at UPMC Memorial Hospital serves as a stark reminder of the increasing dangers healthcare workers face while providing care, igniting a broader discussion about safety and support within medical environments.