James Flair has been charged with three counts of felonious assault and one count of aggravated robbery in connection with the shooting.
CANTON, Ohio — Aultman Hospital in Canton confirms one of its employees is recovering after being shot while on duty Friday night.
The health system shared on Facebook that the employee’s family reported they are in a stable condition. Additionally, officials reassured that the emergency department at the Canton facility remains secure and operating normally to treat patients.
Aultman Health emphasized in a statement, “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, visitors, and staff is our top priority. We are collaborating closely with the Canton Police Department to fully investigate the incident.”
As per a Canton police report disclosed by 3News, a patient named James Flair faces charges of three counts of felonious assault and one count of aggravated robbery related to the shooting incident.
Police say Flair had been brought to Aultman as a patient about eight hours earlier and placed in a private room for observation. Police stated Flair began acting erratically and hospital staff and security personnel entered the room out of concern for his safety.Â
Flair became “combative” and a struggle broke out, with the suspect allegedly pulling a security guard’s gun from its holster, police say. Flair fired one round, which hit the employee — a pharmacy technician — in the abdomen. The pharmacy tech was immediately taken to receive medical treatment.
Staff wrestled the gun away from Flair and restrained him on a bed until police arrived to take him into custody. Police say he continued to show “signs of serious mental distress” in the back of the police cruiser after being arrested.
Flair was transported to the Stark County Jail.
