Ohio Hospital Patient Grabs Gun, Shoots Employee in Abdomen

On June 27, 2025, at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, patient James Lee Fair, who was under observation for emotional distress, seized a security officer's firearm during a struggle and fired a shot that struck a 31-year-old female patient care technician in the abdomen. Hospital staff quickly restrained Fair, and the injured employee received immediate treatment and is in stable condition. Fair was taken into custody and charged with three counts of felonious assault and one count of aggravated robbery. The hospital emphasized that the emergency department remains safe and secure, with patient, staff, and visitor safety as the highest priority. The incident highlights the growing issue of workplace violence in healthcare, with experts advocating for comprehensive prevention strategies beyond security presence, including staff training and environmental design. Local law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.