Gunman shoots two at Darby hospital, doctor returns fire

A hospital caseworker is dead and a psychiatrist injured after a gunman opened fire inside Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Delaware County on Thursday afternoon, police said.

Officials believe the gunman opened fire in a small office, then the doctor then drew his own weapon and shot the assailant, hitting him three times and critically injuring him, said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan.

The psychiatrist, 52, is expected to recover. Two sources, including one in law enforcement, identified him as Lee Silverman, a veteran doctor at the hospital.

Donald Molineux, chief of the nearby Yeadon Police Department, said the doctor “without a doubt saved lives” by firing back.

The suspect, identified as Richard Plotts of Upper Darby, was shot twice in the torso and once in the arm, and is undergoing surgery at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania.

Police were planning to interview the doctor, who works at the hospital’s wellness center on Lansdowne Avenue in Yeadon, the district attorney said. “We’re not sure exactly what happened,” Whelan said.

Police said the caseworker, who they did not name, was 53 and lived in Philadelphia. Investigators believe Plotts shot her in the face.

Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital released the following statement: “This is a tragic event for our hospital and for our community, and we are praying for the safety of the victims. We are grateful for the efforts of the emergency responders, and we are working with the Delaware County Police Departments to understand fully the details of the event and to do all we can to assist those affected.”

Whelan said Plotts has a history of psychiatric problems and went into the doctor’s third-floor office shortly before 2:30 p.m., accompanied by the caseworker.

Plotts was apparently armed, Whelan said, and people near the room soon heard shouting and noise. Someone opened the door to see Plotts pointing a gun at the doctor, and they backed away and called 911.

Shortly afterwards, Plotts opened fire. Plotts ended up in the hallway, at which point another caseworker and a doctor tackled him and held him. Police believe he had already been shot at that point, Whelan said.

Whelan said he was not clear on whether the hospital permits doctors to carry weapons, but said that psychiatrists can find themselves in dangerous situations. It was also unclear whether the hospital has metal detectors.

After police arrived, the building was evacuated and placed in a lockdown. There were no other reported injuries.

The building contains offices for outpatient services, including pediatrics, cardiology, pulmonary care and psychiatrics.

Alfred Williams said he had just left a doctor’s appointment and was waiting for a ride home when, suddenly, swarms of police officers descended on the scene.

“They kept coming,” Williams said. “Guys with helmets and automatic weapons kept jumping out of their cars. It was total panic. . .I saw three people come out in stretchers.”

Allen Williams, of Upper Darby, said he was coming in for an X-Ray appointment Thursday afternoon. As he was handing over his identification and health card, police officers rushed into the lobby.

“They came in with guns drawn,” he said. “It was just a shock to me.”

Anna Smith, an ultrasound technician, was on the first floor of the building celebrating a colleague’s 60th birthday when police officers burst in and told everyone to leave through the back door, she said.

“There’s a sign on the door that says you have to check your weapons at the front,” she said, “But you can’t expect every crazy person to do that.”

asteele@phillynews.com

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