A harrowing incident unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital in West Manchester Township, when a man identified as Diogenes Archangel Ortiz brought havoc, taking a healthcare worker hostage and opening fire at the medical crew. The situation tragically resulted in the death of the assailant at the hands of the police, three of whom sustained injuries during the confrontation.
West York’s Police Officer, Andrew Duarte, tragically lost his life in the line-of-duty during a fraught hostage situation that occurred on a fateful Saturday. In a turn of events that shook the community, Officer Duarte was killed on February 22, 2025, while confronting a rampaging gunman at the local hospital. Adding to the gravity of the incident, the assailant also lost his life during the encounter.
According to a press briefing held by York County District Attorney, Timothy Barker, the sequence of events unfolded around 10:35 a.m. on that ill-fated day. Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, a resident of York, made his way into the hospital property, armed and dangerous. Carrying a bag laden with a semi-automatic handgun and zip ties, he decided to bring danger to this place of healing.
Ortiz unleashed his fury upon the hospital staff, firing his weapon and injuring several members of the medical team. His reckless actions wounded a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian, instigating a scene of chaos and panic within the hospital.
While the doctor suffered a graze wound that did not necessitate severe medical intervention, the nurse and custodian were left in a significantly more critical state. As of Saturday afternoon, they remained in stable condition, recovering from a shocking onslaught they never could have anticipated.
Shortly after the initial attack, Archangel Ortiz escalated the situation further by emerging from the ICU. Clad in a ruthless demeanor, he held one of the hospital staff members hostage, binding her hands with the zip ties he had brought with him.
In such a precarious situation, the law enforcement officers present at the scene were left with no other alternative. Taking the safety of the hospital staff into account, they were compelled to open fire on Ortiz, a decision supported by York County District Attorney Timothy Barker.
Among the officers who engaged in the shooting, two were from Springettsbury Township and Northern York County Regional Police. Both were wounded in the crossfire, but continued to persevere, embodying the spirit of heroism demonstrated by law enforcement in such high-stakes situations.
Tragically, a third officer, Andrew Duarte from West York, was not as fortunate. Despite his bravery and commitment to protecting those in danger, Officer Duarte was killed in the incident, becoming the tragic headline of this heart-wrenching event.
In the aftermath, Barker justified the officers’ actions, stating that the officer-involved shooting was warranted beyond any possible doubt. He solidified the position that the police did everything within their power and legal rectitude to manage the crisis specialist situation.
Records from the court later revealed that Archangel Ortiz already had a trail of numerous criminal charges in York County dating back to 2016. His offenses varied, ranging from driving with a suspended license to instances of harassment.
Following the incident, the City of York posted a heartwrenching message on social media. Acknowledging that at least one of its own residents had been harmed in the incident, it sent a heartfelt condolence to the family of the lost officer and the West York Police Department, mourning the untimely death of Officer Duarte.
West Manchester Township Police subsequently confirmed that the Pennsylvania State Police would be taking the baton to investigate the shooting incident. As the community started its recovery, they were left waiting for further disclosures about the tragedy that had unfolded within their midst.
In the wake of the horrifying incident, future information briefings and news conferences were promised to the public to keep them apprised of the findings of the investigation. With time, more details would emerge, shedding light on a day that had left an indelible mark on the township.
Indeed, the tragic event at UPMC Memorial Hospital served as a stark reminder of the peril that law enforcement officials and healthcare workers can face, even in places of healing. As the community rallied to heal from the scars of that day, they never forgot the courage displayed by the medical staff and the police officers, especially Officer Andrew Duarte, and his ultimate sacrifice.