Doctor shot at Brigham hospital in surgery, suspect named
Jan. 20--A doctor who was left with "life-threatening" injuries after a Millbury man fired two bullets into him this morning on the cardiovascular floor of Brigham & Women's Hospital is in surgery, the hospital reports.
"This evening, the physician, who will remain anonymous at the request of the family, is in surgery. We ask for your support in protecting the privacy of the victim at this time," said hospital spokeswoman Erin McDonough.
The suspect was identified as Stephen Pasceri, 55, of Millbury, a law enforcement source told the Herald.
Boston police Commissioner William Evans said the man came to the second floor of the hospital and asked for the doctor by name before shooting him twice in a foyer between the waiting room and the examining room where he was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
"I think the doctor came out to see him and that is when the altercation took place," Evans said. "It's leading us to believe that something in the past upset this guy."
Police do not believe the suspect was a patient. Evans added: "We're looking for a possible motive."
"Our prayers go out to (the doctor's) wife," Evans said.
A call came in at 11:04 a.m. for shots fired at the hospital, and a detail officer nearby was on the scene in seconds, Evans said. Officers found the alleged suspect -- a 6-foot man wearing glasses and a blue sweater -- inside an exam room with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Evans said.
The shooting occurred on the second floor of the Shapiro building and staff and visitors initially were warned to evacuate or take cover.
"There is no threat out there, the area is secure." Evans said this afternoon.
Hospital officials said Brigham and Women's does not have metal detectors -- and neither does any other Boston hospital -- but told reporters they had confidence in security at the facility.
"Our hearts go out to the victims and the family members. All affected -- including staff -- are in our thoughts and prayers," said hospital president Betsy Nabel.
Nabel praised the response of police and hospital staff who had previously trained together in drills to prepare for active shooter scenarios.
COO Ron Walls said the hospital was one of the first in the nation to institute training on active shooter situations -- which led to the quick action of staff to shelter in place, rush to care for the injured doctor and protect hospital patients.
"We're proud of our staff," said Walls. "We're proud of our hospital. Our hearts go out to all of the victims."
Irene Stefanidis, of Boxford, was with her father, who was getting a CAT scan on the lower second level when an announcement came over the hospital loudspeakers warning of a "life threatening emergency on the second floor."
"They brought people down to our floor as a precaution," she said, adding that about 45 minutes passed before she was allowed to leave the building.
"They said the situation was under control and we were free to go," she said.
Kathy Pittelli, of upstate New York, said she was on the second floor near where the shooting occurred. She was waiting for her son, who is undergoing heart surgery.
"My family was scared but my only thoughts were with my son and that he would be OK," she said.
The busy Longwood medical area was swarming with state and Boston police as well as other first responders. MBTA service was briefly suspended between Brigham Circle and Heath Street, but has now resumed.
Developing ...
Copyright 2015 - Boston Herald
