Shooting at Good Samaritan Hospital claims life of Legacy security officer
Suspect shot dead by Portland Police after manhunt
A peaceful Saturday morning turned into a scene of violence and panic as shots rang out at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest Portland, claiming the life of a security officer, injuring another employee, and setting off an hours long manhunt.
Portland Police received a call about an active shooter at the hospital at 10:59AM, prompting an immediate deployment of emergency tactical units. Legacy Health issued a statement urging the public to avoid the area: "An active shooter event has occurred at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. At this time we ask that you please avoid the area. We will continue to provide updates as we have them."
The quiet neighborhood was thrown into chaos with the rush of police cars and fire trucks to the scene. Todd Zarnitz, president of the Northwest District Association, was on NW 21st Avenue and NW Johnson when the commotion erupted. "I was picking up trash with a neighborhood clean-up when fire trucks and police swarmed the block. A police officer carrying a long gun shouted to everyone to immediately take shelter due to an active shooter event.”
Nearby Stadium Fred Meyer was briefly closed and searched by police following a report that the suspect may have fled to that location on a scooter.
The Oregonian detailed later in the afternoon that police activity and another shooting near a U.S Bank at Northeast Glisan Street and NE 181st Ave was related to the hospital shooting. Oregonian reporter Maxine Bernstein added on Twitter, “Portland police confirm they fatally shot a suspect sought in the Legacy Good Sam hospital shooting.”
Portland Police described the manhunt later in a statement: “A tactical effort was made to locate the suspect, and officers determined he was in a vehicle. East Precinct and Gresham Police Officers stopped the vehicle near Northeast 181st Avenue and Northeast Everett Street in Gresham. SERT and CNT officers responded to assist with the stop, as did Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputies. During the incident, shots were fired by police. The suspect is deceased. No officers were injured.”
Legacy Health Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Avery said at an afternoon press briefing, “Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims today. This is an extremely scary situation, and the hospital is safe at this time.”
A complete hospital lockdown, in effect for most of the day Saturday, was lifted after 3PM. The Emergency Department restarted normal operational status at 7:30PM. However, the Good Samaritan Family Birth Center, located nearest to where the shooting took place, remains closed.
Good Samaritan identified the deceased as Bobby Smallwood in a statement. “Bobby Smallwood, one of our dedicated safety and security officers, was tragically shot and killed while protecting our patients and employees. Another staff member was injured in the shooting and is in stable condition. It’s important to know that the suspect is no longer a threat, and no patients were physically injured in the incident.”
“Words cannot express the profound grief we are experiencing,” said Kathryn Correia, Legacy Health president and CEO. “We offer our unwavering support to Bobby’s loved ones, to our patients in our care, to the staff at Legacy Good Samaritan and to all of our employees and providers suffering today.”
On Sunday Legacy Health released details about the second Good Samaritan employee hurt in the gunfire. “That employee suffered a shrapnel injury, not a direct bullet wound. The employee was treated at Good Samaritan and released to go home on Saturday.”
According to the Oregonian, Legacy security personnel are unarmed. Several community members have begun to question this arrangement in light of the hospital shooting and the increasing level of gun violence citywide.
Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell said Saturday afternoon, “This is a sad day for the staff at Legacy Health, and our hearts go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of the employees affected by today’s tragedy. By all accounts, hospital staff and law enforcement did great work responding to this incident, and I’m grateful for the coordinated efforts by all.”
Mayor Ted Wheeler said in a statement, “This is an incomprehensible tragedy and I send my heartfelt condolences to those impacted. This highly volatile situation required substantial resources and coordination to address. I am incredibly grateful to Portland Police for their fast response to protect our community.”
MORE INFORMATION:
Security Guard Shot and Killed at Good Samaritan Hospital, Suspect Deceased After Officer Involved Shooting
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/read.cfm?id=493012&ec=2
Legacy Good Samaritan Incident
https://www.legacyhealth.org/About/news-and-media/for-the-media/news-releases/2023/Legacy-Good-Samaritan-Incident