Crime
York County UPMC Memorial shooting suspect identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz
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.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.