DETROIT (WWJ) --Detroit Police, with help from Michigan State Police and federal authorities, arrested a suspect accused of a deadly shooting at Henry Ford Hospital.
Detroit Police said officers took Mario Green into custody on Saturday, August 23, shortly before 3:00 a.m. They arrested him on Lemay Street near Mack and Gratiot, about seven miles away from the crime scene. Green is accused of shooting and killing his ex-wife, Latricia Green, who works at the hospital.
"Our officers worked tirelessly to get this monster off the street. We have the best police department in the country..." said Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison. "No person deserves what happened to Ms. Latricia Green and my heart and prayers go out to her family."
At 10 a.m. Friday, August 22, police were swarming the scene both inside and outside the hospital, on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, which was placed on lockdown.
According to Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison, the suspect — identified as 53-year-old Mario Green — was in the basement of the hospital with Latricia Green.
The two were arguing when it's alleged he pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots, killing her.
He then fled, running to the parking lot where got into a 2011 Dodge Charger, license plate: DXC7067.
Police later found the Charger abandoned in a residential neighborhood, along Trojan Ave. at Lahser, south of 8 Mile Rd. on the far northwest side of Detroit.
That's right next to the home of David Kinslow, who said the massive police presence was chaotic. "They did speak of a silver SUV that may have picked (Green) up, or something; I'm not exactly sure," he told WWJ's Jon Hewett. "But it was just, it was crazy! It really was. And my heart just goes out to that poor woman and her family."
Green was considered "armed and dangerous" as police searched for him.
Earlier, people inside the hospital were being held in offices with a lockdown in place. The hospital said the lockdown was lifted, shortly before 11 a.m., and the all clear was given.
Michigan Department of Corrections Records show Mario Green has an extensive criminal history, having served prison time for failing to pay child support, as well as stalking.
Henry Ford Hospital released the following statement:
"At Henry Ford Health, we are family. We are devastated by the loss of our Henry Ford Hospital teammate and our hearts go out to her loved ones—her family, friends, and the people she worked with every day. Police have confirmed this was a targeted act of domestic violence. At this time, all questions regarding what occurred should be directed to the Detroit Police Department. We are cooperating with their investigation and are conducting our own internal investigation as well.
"We understand this tragedy is wide-reaching and we recognize and sympathize with the pain this has caused. We are providing resources to our team members who are dealing with the impacts of this tragic incident. The safety and well-being of our patients, visitors, and team members is our greatest priority.
"The hospital is back open to all patients and visitors."
Many questions remain in the case, including a motive for the shooting, and how Green got a gun into the building.
Henry Ford Health said they do have a have a comprehensive security plan in place that includes metal detectors at the emergency department and an on-site police force. "We consistently strive to ensure our facilities are safe and our processes and procedures prioritize security. An internal investigation into this tragic incident is underway," the hospital system added, in the statement.
This incident is not linked to another deadly shooting near Henry Ford Hospital, early Friday morning, which police said was gang-related. In that case, officials said two men were inside of a car at West Grand Blvd. and Linwood, when another car pulled up and fired shots. One of the men was killed, and the other was injured.
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