FOUNTAIN VALLEY (CNS) - A Chino man fired a flare gun outside a Fountain Valley hospital where his girlfriend was being treated today and was booked on weapons-related charges, police said.
Thomas Christopher Ray, 51, was booked on suspicion of discharging a firearm in public and criminal threats, Fountain Valley police Lt. Jarrod Frahm said.
Police were sent to MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center at 18111 Brookhurst St. about 11:40 a.m. regarding an active shooter call, Frahm said.
A security guard overheard Ray saying he needed help and if he didn't get it he would “hurt some people,” Frahm alleged. The guard dashed into the hospital and alerted staff, who called police, the lieutenant said.
A male nurse ran out and “subdued the guy” before officers arrived, Frahm said, adding that police recovered the flare gun and an air-soft pistol.
“He never made it inside the hospital,” Frahm said. “We believe it was an isolated incident. As far as we know, he never had any intention to shoot up the hospital. He was looking for some mental health help.”
No one was injured in the incident, Frahm said.
The hospital issued the following statement:
“The safety of our patients, families and staff is of the utmost importance. We notified the police of suspicious activity outside of the hospital today. Police responded and resolved the matter. The incident remained outside the hospital and our patients and staff are safe.”
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