NORFOLK, Va. – Sentara Leigh Hospital was placed on lockdown early Sunday morning due to a threat made against a patient’s family member as well as hospital staff.
As a result, police are currently looking for 43-year-old Erick L. Goodwin of Norfolk, who is wanted in connection with this incident and is facing charges for profane, threatening language over a public airway.
According to Dale Gauding, a spokesperson for the hospital, police were called immediately after the threat was made and are currently working through the situation. An unidentified caller claimed at around 8 a.m. that they were on the way to the hospital to kill a member of a patient’s family and anyone else he encountered.
As of noon Sunday, the hospital adopted a “perimeter lockdown” in which visitors will be asked to present photo ID at the reception desk before visiting loved ones. This follows an earlier “modified lockdown” during which Norfolk Police and Sentara security personnel screened everyone entering the hospital.
As of 4 p.m. Monday, Gauding said the hospital has resumed normal operations. Visitors and ambulatory patients may come and go as usual, with the exception of enhanced security in the patient unit affected by Sunday’s threat. This unit will not be identified out of concern for patient privacy.
Gauding said hospital officials have consulted with the Norfolk Police Department, who do not feel that there is a significant threat to the hospital at this time.
“We appreciate the understanding ans support of visitors and patients as we took prudent steps to ensure the safety of all patients, visitors and staff,” Gauding.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Goodwin is encouraged call the Norfolk Crime Line or submit a tip.
Your tip could make you eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
