Lockdown at St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs lifted after 'illegitimate' gunman reports
Dec. 28—St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs lifted a brief lockdown due to police activity Wednesday.
There was no threat to the community, hospital staff or patrons, Colorado Springs police said as they continued an investigation.
The lockdown resulted from a miscommunication, according to unnamed hospital staff and a police officer.
Colorado Springs police spokesperson Robert Tornabene said police were informed of a text message to a mother that suggested there was an armed shooter. It was unclear whether the texter might have misinterpreted an armed security guard inside the hospital or if there was ill intent behind the report, Tornabene said.
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The hospital, located just off Powers Boulevard and Woodmen Road in northeast Colorado Springs, went into lockdown around 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Police ramped up their presence following reports of a gun inside the hospital, then they sent additional officers after an inaccurate report that shots were fired on the second floor, Tornabene said. After determining the reports were illegitimate, police presence was reduced and ultimately returned to normal service.
