NORFOLK, Va. — Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk is under a "perimeter lockdown" after someone outside the facility threatening a patient and staff on Sunday morning, according to a spokesperson.
Norfolk Police Department on Monday said they are looking for 43-year-old Erick L. Goodwin of Norfolk. They said he is wanted in connection with this incident. He's facing charges of profane, threatening language over a public airway.
Officials said a threat was made by phone around 8 a.m. on Sunday. The suspect, later identified as Goodwin, claimed to be on the way to the hospital to kill a patient’s family member and anyone else he encountered.
Sentara security immediately put the hospital into the modified lockdown and called the police. The "modified lockdown" was later changed Sunday night to a "perimeter lockdown." This means visitors must show a photo ID at the reception desk before visiting loved ones.
On Monday morning, the following update was given by Sentara about the lockdown:
"Sentara Leigh Hospital is maintaining a perimeter lockdown status for the time being to ensure to safety of our patients, visitors and staff. Visitors and patients will be asked to stop at the reception desks in the main lobby and emergency department waiting area to present a photo ID. We are grateful to the Norfolk Police Department for providing an immediate response and assistance to our security team on Sunday, when someone called and threatened the life of a patient’s family member and anyone on our staff he encountered when he arrived. The Norfolk Police Department is pursuing this case as a criminal matter."
At 4 p.m., Sentara said it resumed normal operations.
"Visitors and ambulatory patients may come and go as usual, with the exception of enhanced security in the patient unit affected by the telephone threat on Sunday. We will not identify that unit out of concern for patient privacy. We have consulted with the Norfolk Police Department and they do not feel that there is a significant threat to the hospital at this time. Earlier today, Norfolk police released the identity of the suspect, who is being sought for making a threat using a public airway. We appreciate the understanding and support of visitors and patients as we took prudent steps to ensure the safety of all patients, visitors and staff."
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Goodwin is encouraged to call the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-UP.
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