Authorities were rushing to evacuate Loma Linda University Medical Center in San Bernardino County on Wednesday evening following reports of a possible gunman.
“We are aware of a possible man with a gun at Loma Linda Hospital,” a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to The Times around 7:30 p.m.
The Sheriff’s Department issued a statement about an hour earlier saying deputies were at the scene and actively clearing the facility.
People were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes around the hospital, which is at 11234 Anderson St. in Loma Linda.
A text message alert was sent to students on campus and medical buildings nearby, saying, “This is not a drill: Initiate immediate protective actions. If confronted with a threat, RUN, HIDE, FIGHT,” according to reporting from ABC7.
The news channel reported that the active scene was at the university Children’s Hospital, which is housed within the medical center. The 364-bed Children’s Hospital serves about 90,000 patients a year, according to its website.
Photos and videos shared on social media showed a massive response of law enforcement vehicles and helicopters, tying up traffic on surrounding streets. Officials have not yet revealed what the investigation has found.
Helicopter footage captured by KCAL9 showed people being escorted out of the hospital around 7:30 p.m. in what appeared to be a calm and orderly manner. The news channel reported that the suspect was seen in the pediatric unit wearing a black shirt and black pants.
This is a developing story.
