Officer Andrew Duarte West Manchester Township, Pennsylvania Death – On a quiet Saturday morning, UPMC Memorial Hospital in West Manchester Township, Pennsylvania, became the scene of a harrowing and tragic event that left the community reeling. Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, a 49-year-old man, entered the hospital armed with a handgun and zip ties, taking multiple staff members hostage and wounding several people before being fatally shot by police. The incident, which unfolded between 10:35 a.m. and 11:13 a.m., has left a deep scar on the hospital staff, law enforcement, and the broader community.
According to investigators, Archangel-Ortiz walked into the hospital with a bag containing a handgun and zip ties. He made his way directly to the intensive care unit (ICU), where he took several staff members hostage. In a terrifying escalation, he shot three UPMC employees: a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian. The doctor was grazed by a bullet, but all three victims are now in stable condition. The swift response of UPMC police likely prevented further tragedy, but not without cost.
When police arrived at the ICU, Archangel-Ortiz was holding a staff member at gunpoint and demanded that officers stand down. In a tense and dangerous confrontation, officers formed a plan to breach the ICU. During the ensuing shootout, Archangel-Ortiz struck three officers before being killed by police. Two of the injured officers, one from the Northern York County Regional Police Department and another from the Springettsbury Township Police Department, are in stable condition. Tragically, one officer lost their life in the line of duty.
York County District Attorney Tim Barker addressed the media hours after the incident, expressing both grief and resolve. “This is a huge loss to our community,” Barker said. “It is absolutely clear and beyond any and all doubt that the officers were justified in taking their actions using deadly force. Quite frankly, they needed to use deadly force because by doing so they potentially saved even more lives, even as they lost one of their own.”
Archangel-Ortiz used a semi-automatic handgun during the attack, though specifics about the weapon’s caliber were not disclosed. Investigators are still piecing together his motives and background. Court records show that he had recently been charged with a traffic violation on February 14, listing an address in York, Pennsylvania. Barker noted that Archangel-Ortiz appeared to have had contact with someone in the ICU in the week leading up to the shooting, but further details remain unclear.
The incident has left the community grappling with questions and grief. UPMC Memorial, a 104-bed hospital that opened in August 2019, is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive care, including cardiology, surgical services, and long-term acute care. The hospital, which prides itself on providing a safe and healing environment, now faces the difficult task of recovering from this traumatic event.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke to the press following the incident, expressing his gratitude to law enforcement and hospital staff for their bravery and quick action. He also extended his condolences to the family of the fallen officer. Shapiro confirmed that his office has been in contact with the White House but assured the public that Pennsylvania has the necessary resources to handle the aftermath of the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to mourn the loss of life and reflect on the bravery of those who risked everything to protect others. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by healthcare workers and law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety and well-being of others.
In the wake of this tragedy, the resilience of the UPMC Memorial staff, the courage of the responding officers, and the support of the community will be crucial in healing and moving forward. While questions remain, one thing is clear: the actions of those who confronted Archangel-Ortiz saved lives, and their bravery will not be forgotten.
Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating event. May the fallen officer rest in peace, and may the community find strength in unity during this difficult time.