Suspect Arrested Following Threat to Huntington Hospital
Date: [Insert Today’s Date]
Threat Response at Huntington Hospital
A patient at Huntington Hospital’s emergency room made a threatening phone call shortly after his discharge, prompting a significant response from law enforcement. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m. on Friday, led to a temporary lockdown of the Pasadena facility.
Details of the Incident
According to Lisa Derderian, a spokeswoman for the city of Pasadena, the call raised concerns leading to immediate precautionary measures. As a result, the hospital was put on lockdown and incoming ambulance traffic was redirected to other medical facilities.
The lockdown status was communicated to hospital staff via text message at 5:41 p.m., indicating a “Code Silver” alert—a designation used for incidents involving weapons or potential active shooters.
Return to Normal Operations
Normal hospital operations resumed around 6:30 p.m., with hospital spokesperson Dorey Huston confirming the facility returned to regular activities shortly thereafter. Employees were notified of an “all-clear” status just before 7:30 p.m.
Arrest of the Suspect
The Los Angeles Police Department apprehended the suspect around 6:30 p.m. and transferred him to the Pasadena Police Department, which is handling the investigation. No immediate details regarding potential charges were available.
Context of Recent Threats
This incident follows a series of similar alarming calls—commonly referred to as “swatting”—that have recently affected Southern California. These false reports aim to elicit aggressive police responses, often involving SWAT teams.
- On Wednesday, a caller falsely claimed to threaten violence at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, prompting a large law enforcement response.
- The following day, the Claremont Police Department responded to a report of a gunman on the campus of Claremont McKenna College, leading to a shelter-in-place warning for students.
In both instances, law enforcement determined the threats to be unsubstantiated, and it remains unclear whether these incidents are interconnected.
