Alabama hospital shooter wanted better care for wife, police say

The man shot and killed by police at an Alabama hospital was angry that his wife wasn’t receiving the proper care, according to AL.com.

Hospital staff told the man to leave on Friday night, but he returned early this morning with a gun complaining that his wife – a cardiac patient – needed better help.

He returned about 4 a.m. to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham and took an elevator to the cardiac unit on the fifth floor, UPI reported.

Someone called police, who confronted him and a gun battle ensued.

“They engaged the suspect as they exited the elevator,” Sgt. Johnny Williams said, according to UPI. “The suspect opened fire on the officer. He wounded that officer and two other employees here at the hospital. The second responding officers returned gunfire, fatally wounding the suspect.”

Police later identified the man as 38-year-old Jason Letts of Jemison, Alabama, CBS said.

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“In light of the recent mass shooting in Connecticut, too many of these incidents end with unimaginable tragedy,” Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper said, according to CBS.

“I am amazed at the bravery of our officers as they confronted this armed gunman in the hallway. I have absolutely no doubt that their courageous actions at that exact moment saved many lives.”

Police are still investigating, but a hospital representative told The Associated Press that St. Vincent’s would remain open and patient care isn’t being disrupted.

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