Update 11:00pm – Police Identify Suspect, Employee Stabbed Inside Hospital
SMITHFIELD – An employee at Johnston Health in Smithfield was stabbed and critically injured by a patient Saturday evening.
The incident happened at 6:13pm, according to Smithfield Police.
The suspect was awaiting treatment at the emergency room when he stabbed a hospital employee with a knife.
The suspect fled from the emergency room on foot. Numerous officers from the Smithfield Police Department and Johnston County Sheriff’s Office responded and took the suspect into custody about two blocks from Johnston Health.
The name of the suspect has not been released. The hospital employee sustained a “life threatening injury” according to a statement from police. The name of the employee is also being withheld.
Smithfield Police detectives have responded to the hospital and are conducting a criminal investigation.
Police Captain R. Sheppard said no additional information is being released at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as they become available.
