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Reports of an armed man inside of Delnor Hospital in suburban Chicago prompted panic and a lockdown on the morning of January 27. Just after 11 a.m., the lockdown at the medical center in Geneva, Illinois, ended. The lockdown began around 10 a.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The Hospital Was on ‘Hard Lockdown’
Dad is at Delnor hospital on same floor as an armed intruder. SWAT has been called. Praying for everyone there, especially dad. @nbcchicago
A SWAT team has responded to the scene. The City of Geneva website described the situation as a “hard lockdown.” The lockdown was further confirmed by Kane County Sheriff’s officials, reports CBS Chicago. A hard lockdown means that there is an imminent threat inside the building. The area is being policed by Geneva cops and Kane County Sheriff’s Office personnel.
2. Police Are Searching for a 31-Year-Old Man in Connection With the Lockdown
#BREAKING Suspect in #Delnor incident http://t.co/nW66viJrm8
There are no reports of any injuries. CBS Chicago reports that an armed man was seen in the “main portion” of the hospital. The Kane County Chronicle reports that the man was carrying a knife. The Daily Herald, citing police scanner traffic, reported that police have “cleared the building and released the hard lockdown.” The suspect, a 31-year-old man, is believed to have fled the scene in a red van after threatening violence, reports the Kane County Chronicle. The man is from Campton Hills and was wearing a “grayish-greenish colored shirt.” The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the man is believed to have “threatened a visitor.”
3. The Public Were Advised to Avoid the Area
ABC Chicago reports that police had the situation under control throughout but the public were advised to avoid the area until the situation was resolved. The station further reports that the lockdown at the hospital prompted similar situations at nearby Williamsburg and Heartland elementary schools.
4. Geneva Is 40 Miles From Chicago
The hospital during the lockdown. (Screengrab via NBC Chicago)
Geneva, Illinois, is located 40 miles west of Chicago.
5. 450 Doctors Work at the Hospital
According to the hospital’s official website, Delnor Hospital has 159 beds with a staff of “more thant 450 physicians.” The hospital is located at 300 Randall Road in Geneva.