ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Police have made an arrest in connection to the perimeter lockdown that Sentara Albemarle Medical Center was placed under on Wednesday.
The lockdown was for patients, visitors, and staff after a 54-year-old woman made a threat in the lobby of the emergency room department.
A representative at the hospital said Beatrice Staton Ali communicated a threat then left the building before police could arrive.
Medical center representatives made the decision to start the lockdown at 2:30 p.m. until officers had located Ali. Until then, Elizabeth City officers were on hand to provide security.
The "all clear" was given just after 4:15 p.m. after police found Ali in the 900 block of North Road Street and she was placed in police custody.
A hospital representative decided to obtain a warrant for Ali's arrest, charging her with communicating threats.
She was processed, given a bond of $1,000 and taken to Albemarle District Jail.
The center said visitors had to present a photo ID during the lockdown to enter the hospital and medical outpatient buildings on our campus.
Sentara Albemarle Medical Center released the following statement when the lockdown was put into place:
"Sentara Albemarle Medical Center is maintaining a perimeter lockdown status due to a potential threat to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff. Visitors and patients will be asked to present a photo ID at entrances to the hospital and the outpatient locations on campus. We are grateful to the Elizabeth City Police Department for providing an immediate response and assistance to our team."