A tense standoff at a Pennsylvania hospital ended in tragedy when West York Police Officer Andrew W. Duarte was accidentally struck by police gunfire during a confrontation with an armed hostage-taker.

According to AP News, York County District Attorney Tim Barker revealed Wednesday that Duarte was killed by a fellow officer's shotgun blast that also struck the attacker, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, who was holding a hospital worker hostage at UPMC Memorial Hospital on February 22.

The fatal incident unfolded after Archangel-Ortiz, 49, received news that a woman he lived with had died following a week of treatment at the hospital. Upon learning she had been moved to the morgue, he became visibly ill before pulling out a stolen gun and initiating what would become a terrifying siege of the intensive care unit.

Hostage situation turns violent at York hospital

Archangel-Ortiz immediately opened fire on a doctor, grazing his arm and piercing his jacket. The doctor managed to text colleagues warning them of the danger before fleeing the ICU. During the ensuing chaos, the gunman forced one hospital employee to zip-tie others while threatening staff members throughout the unit.

In a chilling moment during the siege, Archangel-Ortiz called his brother to declare, "This is how I'm going out." He proceeded to fire three shots at an officer attempting to enter the ICU, though all shots missed their target. When one employee broke free from zip-ties, he attempted to shoot her three times, unaware his gun had run out of ammunition.

As police teams organized outside the ICU doors and developed tactical plans, they attempted to negotiate with Archangel-Ortiz. However, the situation escalated when he tried leaving the unit with a zip-tied employee hostage, demanding to be taken "where the most people are."

Fatal confrontation leads to officer's death

York County District Attorney Barker described the responding officers' actions as "100% justified and legally appropriate" as they faced what appeared to be an immediate deadly threat. Officers outside the ICU fired 22 rounds, hitting Archangel-Ortiz at least 15 times.

During the intense exchange of gunfire, a police shotgun blast struck both Archangel-Ortiz and Officer Duarte while also wounding another officer. The hostage emerged physically unharmed from the confrontation. Barker praised the officers' heroic willingness to risk their lives, not knowing the attacker's weapon was empty.

District Attorney Barker shared his observations from reviewing video footage of the incident:

I looked at every moment of video and I saw on every person's face that willingness to walk into, to run into the path of gunfire and potential death. They were willing to lay down their lives for every single person at that hospital

Survivor accounts reveal trauma of hospital siege

One of the hostages, nurse Tosha Trostle, provided a harrowing account of her final moments with the gunman. With her arms zip-tied behind her back, she was forced at gunpoint through a doorway where they encountered police. Despite her pleas for release, Archangel-Ortiz pressed his weapon against her neck and spine.

Trostle detailed the terrifying conclusion in a social media post:

The officers told me to run. I struggled to get out from under him. I remember his limp cold hand against my face as I pushed away with my feet

The incident has sparked renewed discussions about violence against healthcare workers and security challenges in medical facilities. Survivors have shared their ongoing struggles with trauma while highlighting the need for enhanced protection of hospital staff.

Tragic outcome shakes York community

Officer Andrew W. Duarte, a dedicated member of the West York Police Department, lost his life during a violent siege at UPMC Memorial Hospital when he was accidentally struck by friendly fire while confronting an armed hostage-taker on February 22, 2025.

The incident began when Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, distraught over the death of a woman he lived with, initiated an armed takeover of the hospital's ICU, shooting one person in the leg and holding multiple staff members hostage before being killed in a final confrontation with police that also claimed Officer Duarte's life.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

1. Heightened Security Measures: This incident underscores the necessity for robust security protocols in hospitals, including the use of metal detectors and security training for all staff.

2. Importance of Emergency Preparedness: Regular, realistic drills and training should be mandatory for all hospital personnel to ensure preparedness for any form of attack or emergency.

3. Mental Health Resources: Providing adequate mental health support and conflict resolution resources for both staff and patients can be crucial in preempting violent behaviors.

No matter the precautions, it's vital to remember that crime can occur under any circumstances, and victims should never be blamed for the actions of their assailants.

Why this story matters

This tragic event is significant not only because of its impact on the affected families and the York community but also as a critical discourse on public safety in healthcare environments. It raises important, broader questions about how society protects its most vulnerable and the preparedness of institutions in handling extreme situations.

The dialogue initiated by this incident could potentially drive policy and systemic changes in hospital security and public health safety protocols.

In conclusion, the tragic events at UPMC Memorial Hospital reflect the unpredictable nature of violent crimes and the challenges institutions face in preventing them. It highlights the devastating impact of friendly fire, the challenges in managing hospital security, and the broader implications for safety in healthcare settings.