A hospital technician was shot Friday night during a struggle inside Aultman Hospital, prompting a swift law enforcement response and the arrest of a suspect, according to Canton police.
Officers responded around 9 p.m. to Aultman Hospital, located at 2600 6th St NW, for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers encountered hospital staff surrounding a security officer outside the facility. According to a police supplemental report, the suspect, identified as James Fair, attempted to gain control of a security officer’s firearm, resulting in a single round being discharged.
The bullet struck a hospital technician, who 911 callers identified as a nurse tech. Aultman Health later confirmed the victim is a member of their hospital team and is in stable condition.
According to the report, the security officer involved told police that Fair grabbed his holstered firearm and, during a struggle to maintain control, the weapon discharged. Officers secured the firearm, along with additional equipment, and entered the hospital where Flair was being restrained by other security staff.
Police say Fair was combative, yelling and resisting restraint before officers placed him in handcuffs and leg restraints. He was then transported from the hospital to a police cruiser. He’s been charged with felonious assault.
The hospital confirmed that security cameras captured the incident. Evidence collected at the scene included the fired bullet, the victim’s clothing, and the security guard’s equipment. Witness statements were also taken from the two security officers involved in the altercation.
Aultman Health released a statement saying, “The safety and security of our patients, visitors and colleagues is our highest priority. We are doing everything we can to care for a member of our Aultman family who was struck by a bullet in the line of duty at Aultman Hospital tonight.”
The Emergency Department remains operational, and the investigation is ongoing in cooperation with the Canton Police Department.
