Two people were killed during an hourslong hostage situation at a medical center in Austin, Texas.
The dire situation began on Tuesday with a 4:30 p.m. 911 phone call in which the caller told the operator that a person allegedly entered the Children’s Medical Group building with a gun and took people hostage, according to local reports. SWAT spent hours trying to communicate with the hostage-taker, who was reportedly a doctor, according to KVUE.
On Wednesday, Dr. Bharat Narumanchi, 43, was identified as the alleged perpetrator and as one of the dead, according to KVUE. Dr. Katherine Lindley Dodson, 43, also died. Narumanchi killed Dodson before killing himself, according to police. While police have not determined Narumanchi’s motive, law enforcement officials learned that the doctor had terminal cancer and had previously applied for a volunteer position at Dodson’s officer.
“You don’t deserve to go through this … for all you have done for others. … That is why I want to help you work through this. You have saved a lot of lives,” the hostage negotiator said during Tuesday’s situation, later adding, “I cannot guarantee your safety unless you comply. I am letting you know, doctor, there is a way to resolve this. I need your help to fix the situation. That starts with you answering the phone.”
Narumanchi took five employees hostage but let some of them go. Others escaped, leaving Dodson as his only hostage.
After several hours, the police decided to send a robot unit into the building, and after, the SWAT team raided the building.
MEDIA – The SWAT situation has ended. Two subjects have been located and were pronounced deceased. The APD homicide unit is on scene and investigating. More information will be provided tomorrow by the PIO office. -PIO6
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) January 27, 2021
The parents of a patient at the office told Fox News that their doctor was being held hostage.
Some residents were urged to evacuate the area or told to stay inside while the negotiating efforts were occurring.
