ELIZABETH CITY, NC — A tense and tragic incident unfolded early Tuesday morning at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, ending with the death of 51-year-old Michael Clarke after an armed standoff with law enforcement. Authorities confirmed Clarke, a resident of Elizabeth City, was fatally shot by deputies after pointing a firearm at officers inside the hospital’s emergency department.
The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office and Elizabeth City Police Department responded to the hospital around 1:15 a.m. following reports of an armed patient. When deputies arrived, they encountered Clarke in the ER triage room, holding a gun and threatening hospital staff.
According to investigators, Clarke escalated the situation by aiming the weapon at responding officers. Within seconds, deputies exchanged gunfire, striking Clarke. Medical attention was administered immediately, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“No one ever wants to see a life lost,” said Sheriff Tommy Wooten, who confirmed the rapid response took only 15 to 20 seconds from the time deputies arrived to when they engaged Clarke. “Thankfully, no deputies, officers, or hospital staff were injured during the confrontation.”
However, the ordeal was not without serious consequences. Prior to law enforcement’s arrival, Clarke reportedly assaulted a hospital security guard who tried to intervene. The guard, a Navy veteran and former NYPD officer, suffered injuries severe enough to require surgery. Hospital president Teresa Watson commended his bravery, calling him a hero whose actions may have prevented an even greater tragedy.
Adding to the trauma, Clarke allegedly held a nurse hostage during the standoff. Remarkably, the nurse chose to remain on duty after the incident, a decision Watson said spoke volumes about the strength and dedication of the hospital’s staff.
In response to the shooting, the hospital will be installing a weapons detection system in the coming weeks. “It’s heartbreaking that such measures are needed in a place of healing,” Watson said. “But the safety of our patients and staff must come first.”
The three deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave with pay as per standard protocol. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation to ensure impartiality and transparency.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about hospital security as violence in healthcare settings continues to rise nationwide. As the community grapples with the shock, hospital and law enforcement officials say they are committed to reviewing procedures and making any necessary changes to protect both staff and patients moving forward.