Crime
Jonathan Schaffer killed in shooting inside Coquette Brasserie at North Hills in Raleigh
According to witnesses, George Colom, the executive chef at Coquette, entered the restaurant before 11 a.m. and fatally shot Jonathan Schaffer, a fellow employee.
Two employees of Coquette Brasserie have identified the gunman involved in Friday’s deadly shooting, which left one employee dead and another injured.
The incident unfolded inside the French restaurant, located at 4351 The Circle at North Hills Street in Raleigh.
According to witnesses, George Colom, the executive chef at Coquette, entered the restaurant before 11 a.m. and fatally shot Jonathan Schaffer, a fellow employee.
Colom then shot Jonathan Aguilar, another employee, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
After the shootings, Colom turned the gun on himself. He remains in critical condition, according to Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson.
Chief Patterson stated that all shots were fired inside the restaurant and the incident appeared to stem from a personal dispute.
She emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Urban Food Group, the company that owns Coquette, had listed Colom as the restaurant’s executive chef on its website. However, his name has since been removed.
Colom has a notable criminal history:
In September 2024, Colom was involved in a crash in Orange County, North Carolina, and pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an accident. He was ordered to pay $193 in court costs.
In January 2011, Colom was convicted in federal court for possessing a stolen firearm in New Mexico. He was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. The charges stemmed from a 2010 incident.
After his release from federal prison, Colom returned to North Carolina and transitioned into the restaurant industry. According to his LinkedIn profile, he initially worked in the Wilmington area before moving to the Raleigh-Durham region around 2017.
Before his incarceration, Colom reportedly attended culinary classes at Central New Mexico Community College, where he honed his skills as a chef. His social media accounts feature photos of his culinary creations alongside images of firearms tagged with evidence markers from the U.S. Department of Justice.
State court records indicate that Colom is originally from Hubert, Onslow County, North Carolina, near the coast. His record also includes minor drug charges.
The Raleigh Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Chief Patterson has assured the public that no additional threats exist, and authorities are working to provide clarity to the community.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Raleigh Police Department or submit tips anonymously.
West Manchester Township, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro spoke at UPMC Memorial following a tragic active shooter incident inside the hospital on Saturday morning.
According to officials, the incident began at approximately 10:35 a.m. when a gunman entered UPMC Memorial Hospital and opened fire.
Six individuals sustained gunshot wounds, including three medical staff members and three police officers. Among the victims, West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte was fatally shot at the scene.
The shooter, identified as Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, reportedly entered the hospital armed with a handgun and carrying zip ties.
Authorities stated that Ortiz proceeded directly to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he held several UPMC staff members hostage.
At one point, Ortiz allegedly zip-tied a hospital staff member’s hands together and held them at gunpoint in the hallway.
Responding officers engaged the suspect and fatally shot him during the confrontation.
Governor Shapiro and State Attorney General Dave Sunday emphasized that law enforcement officers acted appropriately, stating there was “no doubt” that the use of deadly force was justified in neutralizing the shooter.
Officials confirmed that the remaining victims are in stable condition. In the wake of this tragedy, West York Borough Police issued a statement on Facebook mourning the loss of Officer Duarte:
“Our West York Borough family is suffering a painful loss today in response to a tragic mutual aid call earlier today in West Manchester Township at UPMC. Our hearts break at the innocent loss of life.”
The department also invited members of the community to pay their respects by laying flowers at 1381 West Poplar Street, West York Borough, Pennsylvania.
Out of respect for the families, no further comments were made by the department.
WellSpan York Hospital received five individuals from the shooting incident at UPMC Memorial.
The hospital issued the following statement:
“Shortly after 11:00 a.m., WellSpan York Hospital clinical teams were notified of an active shooter situation with injuries at a nearby hospital. At approximately 12:00 p.m., the first patient arrived from this incident for treatment at the hospital. Emergency Department teams have evaluated five individuals for treatment and we do not expect to receive any additional patients. Due to HIPAA privacy regulations, we are unable to disclose specific patient details.”
Additionally, UPMC Memorial issued a statement confirming that no patients were harmed and that the hospital is now secure but on divert as law enforcement continues its investigation.
The hospital expressed gratitude for the rapid response of local, state, and federal agencies and advised non-scheduled employees to remain home.
A hotline has been established for concerned family members of patients: 717-849-5338 or 717-849-5334.
Families arriving on-site are directed to the OSS building parking lot across the street from the hospital.
Governor Shapiro addressed the situation via his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:
“I’ve been briefed on the tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County and I am on my way to the scene. The hospital is now secure, and members of the @PAStatePolice and @PEMAHQ are on the ground responding alongside our local and federal partners. Follow the direction of local authorities and stay clear of the area. We will share more updates as they become available.”
In a joint statement, State Senator Dawn Keefer and State Representative Seth Grove expressed their condolences and gratitude for emergency responders:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at UPMC this morning. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
We are immensely grateful to our local law enforcement departments, Pennsylvania State Police, UPMC officers, Pennsylvania Game Wardens, York County Sheriffs, EMS, and all other emergency responders for their swift actions in securing the scene, treating the wounded, and ensuring the safety of our community. Their dedication and bravery in moments of crisis are truly commendable.
As we continue to monitor this heartbreaking situation, we join our community in praying for UPMC patients and staff, those who were injured, and the loved ones coping with an unthinkable act. We stand ready to support those impacted in any way we can.”
Additionally, State Representative Carol Hill-Evans shared her thoughts on Facebook:
“I am shocked and saddened at the tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial in York. A hospital is a place of hope and healing, not of fear and terror. Please join me in praying for the family of the heroic police officer who laid down his life to defend his community and thanking the health care professionals and emergency service personnel who put patients and their families first every day.”
Authorities have confirmed that the threat has been neutralized and there is no current danger to the public.
However, law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Residents are advised to avoid the area as police remain on scene conducting their investigation. A news conference is expected to provide further details in the coming days.
This remains a developing story, and more updates will be provided as they become available.