UTICA, N.Y. – A 43-year-old man was arrested Tuesday morning after police say he threatened to return to Wynn Hospital with a gun following a disturbance in the facility’s lobby.
The incident unfolded around 8:45 a.m. when Utica Police responded to reports of a disorderly individual yelling and causing a scene inside the hospital entrance.
Security officers removed the man, identified as Douglas Brown of Utica, after the disruption escalated.
Threat prompts immediate police response
According to investigators, as Brown was escorted from the hospital, he allegedly threatened to come back with a firearm and harm people inside. Officers quickly identified him and began searching the area.
Brown was later found, detained without incident, and taken to the Utica Police Department for questioning. Police applied for and obtained an Emergency Risk Protection Order, allowing them to secure and search his residence.
BB gun recovered during search
During that search, officers discovered a BB gun pistol but did not locate any real firearms. Following the investigation, Brown was charged with making a threat of mass harm.
Officials said the actions of security staff and police prevented further danger to hospital personnel and visitors.