Prosecutor Confirms Officer’s Death in Pennsylvania Hospital Siege Caused by Police Fire

York, Pennsylvania
On Wednesday, a prosecutor revealed that the tragic death of a police officer during a hospital siege in Pennsylvania was the result of a shotgun blast fired by responding officers. This same blast also struck the armed assailant holding hostages inside the hospital.

The deadly standoff occurred on February 22 in York, Pennsylvania, when Officer Andrew W. Duarte of West York was killed in the exchange of gunfire while responding to the siege. Several others were injured in the crossfire, including another officer.

York County District Attorney Tim Barker provided further details of the investigation during a press conference, stating that the shotgun blast not only hit the gunman, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, but also wounded an additional officer who was entering the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) in response to the situation. Barker shared the findings of his investigation, offering insight into the events that led to the tragic outcome.

Barker referred to the officers as “heroes” who bravely ran toward danger in an effort to save lives. He described the actions of Archangel-Ortiz as the unleashing of “a torrent of evil” that led directly to Officer Duarte’s death.

The prosecutor affirmed that the actions of the officers were “entirely justified and legally appropriate,” noting the unyielding determination of the officers, as seen in the video footage. They willingly put their lives at risk to ensure the safety of everyone in the hospital.

The attack began when Archangel-Ortiz, 49, was informed by a doctor that the woman he had been living with had passed away following treatment at UPMC Memorial Hospital. Barker confirmed that no evidence was found suggesting Archangel-Ortiz had been planning an attack or exhibited signs of impending violence before the incident.

“There were no prior indicators or warnings that he was capable of such a violent act,” Barker said.

What followed was a chaotic sequence of events. Archangel-Ortiz pulled out a gun and shot a doctor, grazing his arm and penetrating his jacket. The doctor, who had previously warned colleagues by text message, fled the ICU.

Archangel-Ortiz continued his assault, taking hostages and threatening hospital staff. One of the workers who had been shot in the leg managed to lock herself in a bathroom for safety.

During the hostage situation, Archangel-Ortiz called his brother and instructed him to clean his house and distribute his belongings, telling him, “This is how I’m going out.”

Despite efforts by law enforcement to negotiate with the gunman, the situation escalated. Officers had planned to enter the ICU with a tactical shield for protection, but during the operation, Officer Duarte was struck by a shotgun blast in the chest and shoulder.

Barker confirmed that a total of four hospital workers were injured during the siege: two who were shot, a third with head trauma, and a fourth with a minor injury. Two police officers were shot, while a third officer was injured by shrapnel. Officer Duarte was the only fatality. The officer who fired the shotgun was not identified.

Authorities recovered Archangel-Ortiz’s 9mm handgun, but it was found unloaded. Barker explained that no clear motive for the attack was found, adding, “Sometimes there is no discernible reason for actions like this.”

Barker stated, “All we know is that this individual came to the hospital fully armed and prepared to take hostages and cause harm.”

Several nurses who survived the attack shared their emotional experiences on social media. Nurse Tosha Trostle described how she was used as a human shield by Archangel-Ortiz, her arms zip-tied behind her back as they walked through the hospital’s doorway. She recalled pleading with him to release her, while he pressed the gun against her neck and spine. After hearing gunshots, she collapsed under his body but managed to escape to safety.

This devastating incident has drawn attention to the alarming increase in violence directed at healthcare workers in the U.S., highlighting the ongoing challenges in safeguarding those who care for the sick and vulnerable.

As the investigation unfolds, the courage displayed by the law enforcement officers who responded to the attack cannot be understated. Their swift and selfless actions almost certainly saved countless lives, and their bravery serves as a reminder of the daily risks that first responders face in their mission to protect others.