OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A heavy law enforcement response to AdventHealth Ocala on Friday evening was prompted by a mistaken 911 call reporting an active shooter at the hospital.
Ocala Police Department (OPD) officers arrived at the facility at 1500 SW 1st Ave and confirmed there was no shooter, no threat, and no injuries.
According to OPD, the call was made by a concerned citizen who believed an incident unfolding at a Gainesville hospital was happening locally. Authorities later determined the original Gainesville incident was also unfounded.
“The safety of our community will always be our top priority,” OPD stated. “We thank all first responders for their rapid response and we appreciate the public’s cooperation during this incident.”
The confusion stemmed from an earlier report at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) and Gainesville Police Department (GPD) responded to reports of an armed subject possibly seen inside the hospital, leading some staff to shelter in place.
Believing there could be an active threat, ASO deputies joined GPD officers in a swift and coordinated search of the hospital. After clearing hallways and stairwells, investigators determined the report was inaccurate and based on a misunderstanding by a staff member.
“There is no active threat to the hospital,” ASO confirmed in a statement. “We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of those who followed the instructions of responding officers and deputies, as well as the community’s patience during this incident.”