Michael Clarke Obituary, Death; – The individual who was fatally shot during an incident involving law enforcement on Tuesday morning in Elizabeth City has been named. The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office has identified the deceased as 51-year-old Michael Clarke.
According to deputies, they, along with officers from the Elizabeth City Police Department, responded to the Sentara Albemarle Medical Center emergency room around 1:15 AM following reports of a man armed with a firearm.
The State Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that Clarke was a patient at the hospital. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered him in the ER triage area, brandishing a gun. Deputies reported that Clarke aimed the weapon at them, prompting an exchange of gunfire between him and the officers.
Clarke sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Officials indicated that it took approximately 15 to 20 seconds for deputies to enter the facility, confront the armed individual, and ultimately shoot him fatally. They described the response as swift but regrettable.
“While it is fortunate that no officers, deputies, or hospital staff were harmed, the loss of life is always tragic,” stated Pasquotank County Sheriff Tommy Wooten. Clarke received immediate medical assistance but was pronounced dead at the scene.
Teresa Watson, the hospital president, remarked, “We strive to be a safe environment for both giving and receiving care. I wish I could say that this incident is an anomaly in our community and across the nation, but unfortunately, it is not. This is just one of many distressing shootings that occur, and as a hospital, we face challenges in maintaining a welcoming and tranquil atmosphere.”
Deputies noted that prior to their arrival, Clarke had entered the ER and threatened several medical personnel with his firearm. An unarmed security guard from Sentara attempted to intervene while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement.
According to deputies, the security guard, a Navy veteran and former New York City police officer, was injured during an altercation with Clarke, necessitating surgery. Watson has praised him as a hero.
“It could have resulted in a far more tragic outcome,” Watson commented. No law enforcement personnel sustained injuries during the incident.
