UPDATE: Armed suspect confronted by police in Baptist Health Hardin emergency room identified

UPDATE 10/20/24: The Elizabethtown Police Department has identified the suspect as George Lee Jr. of Radcliff. Lee remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The EPD says the investigation remains ongoing and charges will be filed against Lee as the case progresses.

The Elizabethtown Police Department confronted an armed suspect at Baptist Health Hardin Saturday morning.

“Shortly after 5:00 a.m. this morning, our officers responded to Baptist Health Hardin, located at 913 North Dixie, on the report of an active shooter,” said EPD Public Information Officer Chris Denham. “Our officers arrived within just a couple of moments of receiving the initial call, encountered the suspect, and an officer did discharge his weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect was not fatally wounded. He was airlifted from the scene to the University of Louisville Hospital where treatment is ongoing.”

Denham said the suspect was an adult male who has not yet been identified. The suspect was confronted by unarmed hospital security staff prior to the arrival of officers.

“The criminal investigation concerning the shooting at the hospital will be conducted by the Elizabethtown Police Department,” Denham said. “Any investigation concerning the officer-involved shooting will be handled by the Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team.”

The suspect’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. No other injuries were reported in the incident. Per standard EPD protocol, the officer involved will be placed on two weeks paid administrative leave. 

The EPD will release more information as it becomes available.