HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital in Polk County was placed on lockdown Tuesday afternoon after a shooting incident prompted a large law enforcement response.
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Polk County Fire Rescue confirmed deputies and multiple sheriff’s units arrived at the hospital around 4:54 p.m. EDT. Crime scene tape was later placed around a black SUV near the facility’s entrance as investigators examined the scene.
Hospital officials stressed that the facility remains open to patients and continues to accept medical emergencies. However, visitor access has been suspended until further notice while the lockdown remains in place.
According to authorities, the suspect fled the hospital in a black Mercedes GLE. He was described as a heavyset man wearing multiple gold chains and jewelry and is believed to be armed and dangerous. Investigators have not yet confirmed if anyone was injured in the incident.
Initial reports of the shooting came from an address on Marigold Avenue, but the incident was later confirmed to have occurred at the hospital’s location on Cypress Parkway.
Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the suspect and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid the area until the situation is resolved.