Newsman: Two employees were killed Saturday morning in a shooting at a Dallas hospital, the local health system said. Methodist Hospital police shot and arrested a suspected gunman Nestor Hernandez accused of killing two employees, officials confirmed on Saturday. Nestor Hernandez, has been charged with capital murder.
Methodist Hospital police shot and arrested a suspected gunman accused of killing two employees, officials confirmed on Saturday.
At about 11:15 a.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of N. Beckley Avenue at Methodist Hospital. Upon arrival, officers found two hospital employees, including one nurse, in the labor and delivery area, had been shot, according to police.
According to Dallas police, Hernandez was out on parole for aggravated robbery and was wearing an active ankle monitor at the time of the shooting.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said in a tweet that he was “outraged” at the “lack of accountability” in the justice system.
“The fact that under this broken system, we give violent criminals more chances than our victims. The pendulum has swung too far,” Garcia said.
The hospital confirmed to WFAA that both employees died from their wounds.
According to the hospital’s statement, Hernandez was shot by a hospital police officer and taken to another hospital where he was detained.
“The preliminary investigation determined a suspect shot and killed two hospital employees,” according to a statement from the Methodist Health System.
An officer who arrived on scene confronted and shot the suspect, injuring him, according to the health system. The suspect was taken into custody, stabilized and taken to another hospital, the statement added.
Methodist Health System Police arrested 30-year-old Nestor Hernandez for capital murder, according to a statement from the Dallas Police Department.
Hernandez is out on parole for aggravated robbery and had “an active ankle monitor,” Dallas police said.
Hernandez was released in October 2021 and had permission to be at the facility while his significant other gave birth, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
“The Methodist Health System Family is heartbroken at the loss of two of our beloved team members,” Methodist Health System Executive leadership said in a statement. “Our entire organization is grieving this unimaginable tragedy. During this devastating time, we want to ensure our patients and employees that Methodist Dallas Medical Center is safe and there is no ongoing threat. Our prayers are with our lost co-workers and their families, as well as our entire Methodist family. We appreciate the community’s support during this difficult time.”
The shooting took place inside the “mother/baby” unit, according to a statement from Methodist Health System.
As a result, and “out of an abundance of caution,” police staffing is increased at the hospital campus, “including for mothers and babies,” the statement said. Methodist recently installed new camera systems, bolstered physical security measures and held ongoing active-shooting training for employees.
The medical center is now safe and there are no ongoing threats, the leadership added.
