Fort Smith Mercy Hospital reopened after Monday morning lockdown
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UPDATE: The suspect has been found, according to Fort Smith police.
The department told KNWA/FOX24 that the suspect was found hiding in a box at the educational wing and was not carrying a real gun.
UPDATE: Mercy Hospital Fort Smith says it has reopened all areas and patient care has resumed as of 1:15 p.m., according to a social media post.
“While law enforcement continues to investigate, they do not have reason to believe the suspect remains on our campus,” the hospital said.
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Fort Smith Police Department said it is actively pursuing a possibly armed man at the Fort Smith Mercy Hospital, prompting a lockdown at the medical facility Monday morning.
Aric Mitchell with FSPD says three agencies are on the scene and clearing the building including the Fort Smith Police Department, Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas State Police.
The hospital posted on Facebook at 10:56 a.m. saying an armed intruder entered the facility.
“The entire campus was put on an immediate lockdown and the Fort Smith Police Department was onsite within minutes. Law enforcement officers are currently doing a detailed sweep of Mercy Hospital Fort Smith. At this time, all co-workers are locked down during this immediate threat,” the hospital said.
Mercy said anyone heading to the hospital should stay in their vehicle and away from the building.
At 11:24 a.m., Mercy said officers were continuing to sweep the building. No injuries have been reported.
“Our incident command team remains working with authorities to check all areas of our building,” the hospital said.
Mercy said at 12:05 p.m. Mercy Towers West and East have been cleared.
Fort Smith Chief of Police Danny Baker said in a social media post there is no active shooter at Mercy Hospital. No shots were fired and no injuries have been reported.
Baker said a man reportedly armed with a gun ran from security and law enforcement is searching for him.
As of 12:25 p.m., Mercy said Tower West (at 6801 Rogers Avenue) and Tower East (at 2713 S 74th Street) have returned to patient care.
There is still a heavy law enforcement presence on site and the lockdown continues on the main campus.
This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/KFTA for the latest updates.
