Three nurses from Penn Presbyterian Medical Center were critically injured after a driver struck them with a Jeep Cherokee while they were helping a gunshot victim outside the hospital early Saturday morning. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large.
Three nurses at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia suffered severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle while assisting a gunshot victim outside the hospital early Saturday morning. One of the nurses is listed in critical condition while the other two are in stable condition.
The incident occurred at around 4:30 a.m. when a silver Jeep Cherokee dropped off a 28-year-old gunshot victim at the hospital's ambulance bay. The driver then fled the scene, leaving the victim unattended.
Devastating Hit-and-Run Injures Nurses Assisting Gunshot Victim
As three nurses rushed outside to help the victim, the driver of the Jeep Cherokee drove off, hitting the nurses and the victim. The 36-year-old nurse sustained facial injuries and internal bleeding and was listed in critical condition. A 37-year-old nurse suffered head injuries, and a 51-year-old nurse had head and back injuries. Both are in stable condition.
The gunshot victim also sustained multiple gunshot wounds and may have suffered a head injury in the hit-and-run, according to police. The victim is being treated at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
Devastating Hit-and-Run Injures Nurses Assisting Gunshot Victim
Philadelphia police are actively searching for the suspect, described as a male possibly in his 20s. Anyone with information regarding the shooting or the driver is urged to contact police at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the safety of medical professionals. The nurses were simply trying to help a gunshot victim when they were senselessly attacked.
Devastating Hit-and-Run Injures Nurses Assisting Gunshot Victim
"These nurses were doing their jobs, trying to save a life, and they were struck by a car and injured," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. "This is a despicable act of violence."
Hospital officials expressed their support for the nurses and condemned the hit-and-run.
Devastating Hit-and-Run Injures Nurses Assisting Gunshot Victim
"We are deeply saddened by this horrific incident," said Kevin Mahoney, president of Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. "Our nurses are dedicated to providing care for our patients, and it is unconscionable that they were attacked while trying to help someone in need."
The incident has also highlighted the need for increased security measures at hospitals. In recent months, there have been several reports of violence at hospitals, including shootings and assaults on staff.
"We need to do more to protect our hospitals and our medical professionals," said Mayor Jim Kenney. "These are places of healing, and they should be safe for everyone."
Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are asking for the public's help in finding the suspect.
