Authorities said a comprehensive and clear message was sent at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital in San Bernardino County at 8 p.m. Wednesday after reports that the emergency room might have been a gunman prompted the facility to evacuate.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a 8:10 p.m. statement that the incident appeared to be a shaky call with no injuries.
“After a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that there was no positive threat to the campus and normal business operations have resumed,” said hospital spokesman Briana Pastorino. “Law enforcement will remain on campus to continue any necessary investigations.”
The Sheriff’s Department issued a preliminary statement around 6:40 p.m., saying the deputies were on the scene and actively cleaned the facility on reports of possible armed personnel.
People are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes around hospitals, located at 11234, Anderson St., Loma Linda.
A text message alert has been sent to students in nearby campuses and medical buildings and said: “This is not an exercise: initiate immediate protection operations. If faced with threats, run, hide, fight,” ABC7's report said.
According to its website, the 364-bed children's hospital serves about 90,000 patients a year. It is located at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Photos and videos shared on social media show the initial huge reaction of law enforcement vehicles and helicopters, bundling traffic on surrounding streets around 6:30 pm
Helicopter footage captured by KCAL9 shows people being escorted out around 7:30 pm, which seems to be a calm and orderly way.
