Shooting inside Evanston Hospital ER leaves security guard wounded, suspect in custody: police

EVANSTON, Ill. - A shooting inside the emergency room at Evanston Hospital Thursday evening left a hospital security guard wounded and a man in custody, according to police.

What we know:

Just before 7:30 p.m., members of Evanston’s Crisis Alternative Response Evanston (CARE) Team encountered a 28-year-old Evanston man near a Taco Bell in the 1700 block of Sherman Avenue. 

Authorities said the man appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis and agreed to be evaluated by paramedics, who transported him to Evanston Hospital.

Once inside the emergency room, police said the man became agitated during the intake process, prompting hospital security to intervene. 

He then reportedly lunged toward his belongings, retrieved a weapon and fired several rounds inside the ER shortly before 8 p.m.

A security officer was struck and sustained injuries that were not life-threatening, police said. Other hospital staff and security personnel were able to restrain the suspect until Evanston police arrived and took him into custody.

What they're saying:

"A shooting occurred in the emergency room at Evanston Hospital this evening. The individual was quickly apprehended and taken into custody. There is no active threat. The safety of our patients and team members is our top priority," a spokesperson for Endeavor Health said. 

What's next:

The emergency room remains on lockdown as a large police presence continues in and around the facility. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

This is a developing story and we'll bring more updates as they become available.