Dozens of people experienced the terrifying moment of being told their doctor's office was on lockdown after an officer-involved shooting at the Vanderbilt Women's Clinic at the 100 Oaks mall.
While patients sheltered in place, there families and friends were left wondering if their loved ones were safe.
The shooting happened Wednesday afternoon when an inmate at the clinic shot a Robertson County corrections officer. The inmate was shot and killed during the altercation, and the officer was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Suspect Killed After Corrections Officer Shot At 100 Oaks
No one else was injured in the incident, but Phillip Shade was one of the many people whose loved one was inside when the shots were fired. He communicated with her via FaceTime reassuring she was safe.
"I'm glad the police officers came out here Metro police officers came out here and did one heck of a job hats off to them," he said.
"I saw another unmarked police car with its lights on heading towards the theater out here at 100 Oaks. so I decided to follow the unmarked cars. I followed them and then all of a sudden there must've been at least 25 or 30 police cars that all came all at one time," he said.
Several others posted on the NewsChannel5.com's Facebook page about their family inside the building.
Vanderbilt officials said there was no active threat to people in the area, but portions of the clinic remained on lockdown.
Threat at 100 Oaks contained. Waiting on all-clear but those with afternoon appointments, please call your clinic to reschedule. Thank you!
— Vanderbilt Univ Med (@VUMChealth) June 28, 2017
They released the following statement in response to the incident.
“This afternoon at one of our clinics on the Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks campus there was an incident involving law enforcement officers from Robertson County escorting an inmate. The incident was quickly resolved but resulted in the inmate being shot and is deceased and one officer being transported to Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital for treatment. There were no other injuries from this incident. In accordance our policies, and out of an abundance of caution, employees and visitors on the One Hundred Oaks campus were advised to shelter in place while a thorough sweep of the building was conducted by law enforcement officers. The safety and well-being of our patients and employees is always our first concern,” said John Howser, Chief Communications Officer, VUMC.
The all clear was given to everyone at the clinic at 4:30 p.m.
"Police have issued the ALL CLEAR for Vanderbilt Health at 100 Oaks. Personnel have been instructed to exit the facility via the "A" entrance and to follow law enforcement's directions as they exit."
