AP Features, February 6th, 2007
A gunman wearing a camouflage helmet took over a small outpatient medical center Monday, sending patients, nurses and doctors fleeing amid reported gunshots, before surrendering to end the 2 1/2-hour standoff.
Jason Murphy, 19, was taken into custody without incident, and no one was injured in the takeover of the Primecare building, police said. When officers entered, they found one remaining patient inside, police said.
Police believe Murphy had a complaint with the medical center, spokesman Sgt. Stacy Robinson said, but she did not elaborate.
No charges were immediately filed, but Police Chief John Powell said Murphy could face criminal counts.
Photographs taken during the standoff showed the man with blood on his hands, wearing a camouflage helmet and holding a rifle.
Trish Griggs, who works at a nearby store, said two nurses ran to her building from the clinic.
Griggs told the Dothan Eagle that the nurses described the gunman's garb and that shots were heard.
"He said he didn't want to hurt the patients," Griggs said the nurses told her. "He asked them all to leave."
Griggs said she could see doctors and other medical staff gathered behind the center.
Martha Pace, who uses a wheelchair, told the newspaper she was in an exam room when she heard several shots fired. Her husband wheeled her out a back door, she said.
Murphy was being treated at a hospital for minor cuts on his arms Monday afternoon. It was unclear whether the injuries were self-inflicted or if he was hurt when he broke some windows, Robinson said.
A person answering the phone at the Dothan city jail said she did not know whether Murphy had legal representation.
