NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Metro Police mentioned a person has been arrested after firing a gun inside Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital on Saturday.

Police had been dispatched to the hospital early Saturday morning after safety mentioned they heard a minimum of two gunshots within the stairwell. 33-year-old Nicholas Zaayenga was discovered on the fourth stage. Officers confronted Zaayenga, who complied with instructions. Police discovered a firearm in a chair close to him. Police mentioned he had a number of magazines on him for the gun.

Police discovered a number of bullet casings close to the defendant. There was additionally harm prompted to a fireplace door attributable to gunfire. Two nurses informed police they may hear the gunshots close by.

Metro Police say Zaayenga, upon entry, obtained locked within the stairwell, the place he was discovered and arrested.

The incident has prompted nursing college students like Lily Wagner to really feel just a little uneasy.

“We’re very thankful that nothing happened but knowing his intent and that he came in with a gun is very nerve-wracking to us,” Wagner mentioned. “Healthcare is one place where our workers should definitely feel safer.”

It’s unclear what Zaayenga’s motive was, or whether or not he’d ever been a affected person at Saint Thomas.

Olivia Robinson can be a nursing scholar who works at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown. Her worry is how a lot worse this incident may have been.

“We’re very thankful no one was hurt. But we’ve been hearing about these shootings a lot. And this is our workplace, this is where we come every single day and it’s like, you never think it’s going to be you until it is, and you’re put in that situation. It’s just scary,” Robinson mentioned.

In response to the capturing, Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown launched this assertion:

“The safety of our associates, providers, patients and visitors is always our highest priority. We are so proud of the prompt response by our associates and the Metro Nashville Police Department. We are most thankful for the safety of all involved. Our campus leaders have visited hospital departments to answer associates’ questions, concerns and provide support. We are fully cooperating with Metro Nashville Police Department in their investigation.”

Zaayenga has been charged with reckless endangerment, vandalism, possession of a weapon, and prison trespassing. Police mentioned Zaayenga entered the hospital by means of a again door at which all doorways had been locked.

He is about to seem in courtroom on Tuesday.

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