UPDATE: Feb. 8, 1:20 p.m.
Nicholas Pagano, 31, the nurse wanted for allegedly setting a coworker on fire, was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday, according to authorities.
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said Pagano hit the victim with a wrench and burned her. She suffered third-degree burns over her upper body, face and hands.
Original story follows:
HACKENSACK, N.J. (Audacy) — A male nurse set fire to a female patient care technician in a break room at Hackensack University Medical Center Monday around 5:15 a.m., officials said.
The victim was listed in critical but stable condition in the burn ward of St. Barnabas Hospital in Bronx, New York. She suffered third-degree burns and cuts to the head that required stitches, according to prosecutors.
Police were still searching Monday evening for the man suspected of carrying out the attack who reportedly left in his car after setting fire to his coworker.
There were no witnesses of the attack, and the motive was initially unknown.
The nurse was contracted through an agency to supplement shortages at the hospital and passed a background check when he was hired in November.
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