Washington County, MD Hospital Searched After Threat Sunday

Hagerstown, MD – A reported active assailant at Meritus Medical Center prompted a major law enforcement response Sunday evening before authorities determined the reported threat was not credible.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the hospital at approximately 5:08 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report of an active assailant. Initial information indicated that a person was allegedly inside the hospital pointing a weapon at others.

Deputies and assisting law enforcement personnel immediately responded and conducted what the sheriff's office described as a full and thorough search of the medical center.

Authorities said investigators ultimately determined the reported threat was not credible and that the call was false. No active assailant or other threat was located during the search.

The incident occurred at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland. The hospital serves patients from Hagerstown and surrounding communities in Western Maryland, making the report a significant public safety concern for patients, employees and visitors at the facility.

The sheriff's office thanked hospital staff, patients, visitors and other public safety agencies for their cooperation during the law enforcement response.

Although authorities have cleared the reported threat, the case has not been closed. The Washington County Sheriff's Office said Sunday evening that its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing.

Officials did not provide additional information in the initial update about how the false report originated or whether investigators had identified the person responsible for making it.