A hospital is currently in lockdown as police hunt for a “sex offender hiding in the facility” after running away from cops at a police station. There are reports that shots have been fired.
Officers were called to Ascension Saint Thomas West on Harding Pike, in Tennessee, Nashville, around 10:30am local time. According to Metro police, a sex offender who had violated the sex offender registry went inside the facility. The hospital has taken security precautions and placed the hospital on lockdown while officers move floor by floor to locate the suspect.
Security is reportedly reviewing camera footage and the suspect is not believed to be armed, despite reports on social media of shots being heard. One X user said: “My hospitals on lockdown for an active shooter right now and we having to hide in a closet… wild work day!”
Another tweeted: “I’m getting my infusion and the hospital – St Thomas West – is on lockdown. The employees got an alert that no one can leave”.
Saint Thomas released a statement, which reads: “Our team is working closely with local law enforcement and security personnel to thoroughly assess a potential security concern.
“Restricted entry is a standard precautionary measure, and we kindly ask for the community’s patience as we address the matter. The safety of our patients, visitors and associates is always our highest priority.”
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