Michael Clarke Obituary, Death – The man who was killed in a deputy-involved shooting early Tuesday morning at the Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City has been identified as 51-year-old Michael Clarke, a resident of the city. The shooting occurred after law enforcement officers responded to reports of a man armed with a gun at the hospital.
According to the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, along with Elizabeth City police officers, were called to the hospital’s emergency room around 1:15 a.m. after receiving reports that Clarke, who was a patient at the hospital, had a firearm. When law enforcement arrived, they found Clarke holding the gun in the ER’s triage room.
The situation escalated when Clarke reportedly pointed the weapon at the officers, prompting them to exchange gunfire with the suspect. Clarke was struck by the gunfire and was immediately provided medical attention. However, he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff Tommy Wooten commented on the quick nature of the response, noting that it took only 15 to 20 seconds for deputies to enter the hospital and confront Clarke. Despite the rapid response, Sheriff Wooten expressed his regret over the loss of life, stating that while no officers, deputies, or hospital staff were injured, the loss of life is always tragic.
Teresa Watson, the president of Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, also expressed her sorrow over the incident. She noted that while the hospital is a place for care and healing, it’s unfortunately becoming more common for such violent events to occur. Watson acknowledged that the shooting was particularly unsettling given the hospital’s usual role as a safe haven for those in need of medical attention.
Before law enforcement arrived, Clarke reportedly entered the ER and pointed his gun at multiple hospital staff members. An unarmed security guard, who is a Navy veteran and former New York City police officer, attempted to stop Clarke while awaiting the arrival of authorities. However, Clarke assaulted the guard, causing serious injuries that required surgery. Watson praised the security guard for his bravery, calling him a hero and acknowledging that the situation could have had much worse consequences.
In a particularly harrowing moment, one nurse was reportedly held hostage by Clarke during the ordeal. Despite the trauma of the situation, the nurse chose to remain at the hospital and continue working after the shooting had ended. Watson highlighted the emotional toll such violence takes on hospital staff, who are trained to provide care in a peaceful, safe environment, not to face armed threats.
The hospital has already announced plans to install a weapons detection system in the coming weeks, a measure that Watson described as unfortunate but necessary. She stated that while she would prefer not to have to implement such a system in a healthcare setting, the current state of violence in society makes it a necessary step to ensure the safety of both staff and patients.
Sheriff Wooten also provided an update regarding the three deputies involved in the shooting, stating that they have been placed on administrative leave with pay while the investigation into the incident continues. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is handling the probe into the deputy-involved shooting to ensure transparency and accountability.
The incident has raised serious questions about the safety and security of healthcare facilities, as hospitals across the country continue to face increasing incidents of violence. The tragic event in Elizabeth City serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can occur in public spaces, even in places that are meant to offer care and comfort.
As the investigation moves forward, law enforcement and hospital officials are working together to piece together all the details of the incident, and to prevent such a situation from occurring in the future. The community remains in shock over the event, with many offering support to the staff and families affected by the violence. The outcome of the investigation will likely determine any further actions or changes needed to improve safety protocols in the future.