Gunman visited York hospital days before shooting that killed officer, injured 4
WEST MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, Pa. − Authorities were trying to determine Sunday why a gunman entered a hospital, opened fire and took a hostage before he was killed in a shootout with police that left an officer dead.
York County District Attorney Tim Barker said the gunman had visited a friend in the hospital days before the shooting and "had contact" with hospital staff. Barker, speaking at a briefing late Saturday, provided no details.
The officer who was killed, 30-year-old Andrew Duarte, had worked for the West York Borough Police Department since June 2022. Dozens of firefighters and police officers from across York County honored Duarte on Saturday night. Fire engines lined a street and two trucks had their ladders raised as an archway over a road where Duarte's body was being transported.
“Officer Duarte was one of the best of us,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said. “He is to be commended for a life of service, albeit one cut too short.”
How the tragedy unfolded
At about 10:35 a.m. Saturday, authorities say Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz walked into UPMC Memorial Hospital in the township just west of York with a bag containing zip ties and a semiautomatic handgun.
Archangel-Ortiz took the staff of the ICU hostage, firing several shots and binding the hands of a nurse with zip ties. Bullets from his gun struck a doctor, a nurse and a custodian, Barker said. A fourth member of the staff was injured in a fall trying to escape the gunfire, he said.
UPMC police officers responded to the ICU and retreated after being fired upon by Archangel-Ortiz, Barker said.
Police from 10 jurisdictions arrived at the hospital. When officers tried to enter the unit, Archangel-Ortiz leveled his gun at the officers and ordered them to retreat, which they did. They attempted to speak to the gunman to no avail, Barker said.
Shooting of gunman 'absolutely justified'
A short time later, Archangel-Ortiz emerged from the ICU, holding a staffer at gunpoint, her hands bound with zip ties. Barker said officers then had no choice and opened fire, killing Archangel-Ortiz. Barker said the investigation would determine whether Duarte was shot by Archangel-Ortiz or “friendly fire” from the other officers.
The doctor was grazed by a bullet, and the nurse, the custodian and the two wounded officers were hospitalized in stable condition, Barker said.
Barker described the shooting as “absolutely justified, beyond any and all doubt.”
Archangel-Ortiz, 49, did not have a significant criminal record, according to court records. He had been charged with driving on a suspended license earlier this month, and with harassment and contempt for a court order in October 2016, records show.
York hospital remains closed to visitors
UPMC in central Pennsylvania announced Sunday morning that Memorial Hospital remains closed to visitors. The health care system did not say when visitors would once again be welcome.
UPMC noted that staff members who were injured during the shooting are "progressing in their recovery."
"We know that families and visitors are vital to helping patients heal, and we are working toward making visitation possible again," UPMC said in a statement. "There is no longer a police presence on campus, but UPMC Police and Security have enhanced their presence and the campus is safe."
West York community mourns police officer
Duarte joined the West York Police Department in June 2022 after serving five years with the Denver Police Department in Colorado.
In Denver, he worked as a patrol officer, earning commendations for academic achievement when he completed drug recognition expert training and another from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for “his efforts in keeping Denver’s roads safe from impaired drivers,” according to the Denver Police Department.
Prior to becoming a police officer, Duarte received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and political science from Pennsylvania Western University, California, a campus of Pennsylvania Western University.
"We are deeply saddened that West York Police Officer Andrew Duarte, a 2016 graduate of PennWest California’s Criminal Justice program, lost his life in the line of duty," university President Jon Anderson said in a statement Sunday. "Officer Duarte was a valued member of our PennWest California alumni family, and his service and dedication to his community will not be forgotten."
West York police and community members mourned the loss of Duarte on Saturday night. Residents placed flowers and lit candles at the borough’s administrative offices before gathering for a vigil.
West York Council member Jennifer Chambers suggested residents replace the bulbs on their porches with blue lights to demonstrate their grief and support.
“Our West York family is suffering a painful loss today in response to a tragic mutual aid call earlier today in West Manchester Township at UPMC,” according to a statement released by the borough. “Our hearts break at the innocent loss of life."
Following Saturday's news conference, Shapiro met with Duarte's parents and fellow West York police officers. The governor ordered the state's flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Duarte's sacrifice.
(This story was updated to include video.)