Press Release

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June 7, 2009

The Martinez Police Department, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa DA's Office are jointly investigating an officer involved shooting pursuant to the county's officer involved fatal incident protocol. Earlier this morning, at about 2:08, a Deputy Sheriff advised dispatch of "shots fired" at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center at 2500 Alhambra Way in Martinez. The circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation. The shooting occurred in the hospital emergency room when a person tried to attack a Deputy with a knife.

The person was pronounced dead at the scene. He was a 47 year old resident of Rio Vista. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Martinez Police Department at 925-372-3440.

Update

Status Report from Contra Costa Regional Medical Center — Posted 1:30 p.m., June 7, 2009

(Update from Dr. William Walker, Contra Costa Health Services Director, based on a press conference earlier this afternoon)

The 47 year-old Rio Vista resident had walked into the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) in Martinez complaining of chest pains. While being treated in the CCRMC Emergency Department, the man brandished a knife at the nurses. They summoned the Deputies from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, who are on duty at CCRMC. Following the fatal shooting of the patient, the Emergency Department was put on diversion and patients were sent to other nearby medical facilities. No employees were injured. The CCRMC Emergency Department reopened at 9 a.m. this morning.

Dr. Walker says hospital staff are in shock and are receiving counseling. "This is a place of healing people, a place of delivering health care. This is not something we want happening in our emergency department."

All media inquiries should be directed to Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Jimmy Lee at 925-383-6725.

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