‘Died protecting others': Security guard killed after man opens fire in Enid hospital

Yahoo

2 days ago

ENID, Okla. (KFOR) — An Enid security guard was killed while trying to protect others during a shooting that happened late Sunday night at Integris Health Hospital.
Sunday evening, the Enid Police Department requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate an officer-involved shooting.
Just before 11 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to a domestic disturbance call near East Walnut Avenue and North 12th Street in Enid.
While on scene, officers identified the suspect as an adult male. A short time later, the suspect's vehicle was found outside the hospital.
RELATED: Two dead following shooting at Enid hospital
'When officers arrived on scene to try to make contact with that suspect. The suspect fired his weapon towards officers and then made entry into the hospital,' said Hunter McKee, public information manager, OSBI.
While inside the hospital, the suspect fired multiple gunshots. During that time, 72-year-old J.W. Bode was hit by gunfire and later died.
Enid Police officers made contact with the suspect and shot and killed him.
State agents say no police officers, medical staff, or patients were hit by gunfire.
'When you're talking about a hospital of this size in, in the middle of town like this with multiple gunshots being shot out inside of the hospital, we're very lucky and very fortunate that nobody was hit, that nobody else was hit,' said McKee.
Intergis says they're thankful for law enforcement's quick action and that Bode put himself in harm's way to save others.
A spokesperson sent News 4 a statement:
It is with great sadness that we share with you that one of the individuals killed in the overnight shooting incident in our Enid hospital was one of our own. Public Safety Officer J.W. Bode was killed as he bravely approached the suspect. He died protecting others. He was 72 years old. Bode was our colleague and friend. He had worked at the hospital for five years. He was a retired probation and parole officer who had dedicated most of his professional life to service and safety. He was the proud father of three adult children and a doting grandfather. Our deepest condolences go out to his family.
We are profoundly grateful to local and state law enforcement agencies for their swift and courageous response in securing the hospital and protecting our patients, caregivers and community. We are especially thankful for the quick and selfless actions of Officer J.W. Bode, who valiantly put himself in harm's way to save others. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Counseling and chaplain services are available for our caregivers and physicians in need of support.
Integris Health
His family also shared some photos with News 4.
Photos of J.W. Bode and family. Image courtesy, Shay Bode.
News 4 also found out that Bode was involved in the martial arts community.
The martial arts community has lost an extraordinary practitioner and teacher with the passing of JW Bode. JW was a martial artist of remarkable talent and discipline, whose technical skill placed him among the very best. His movement carried both precision and power, reflecting a lifetime of study and refinement. Beyond his personal ability, JW set a standard of excellence for all who trained with him. He was deeply respected not only for his mastery of the art, but also for the integrity, humility, and generosity with which he shared his knowledge. Those who had the privilege of learning from or working alongside him will carry forward the lessons he instilled, lessons of discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of true mastery. His passing is a profound loss, but his influence will endure through the many lives he touched and the high standard of martial arts he embodied.
Sensei Nathan Himes, Weatherford Martial Arts Center
As for why the suspect went to the hospital, investigators are still working to piece it all together.
'I know that they're looking into this suspect. You know, if there was something previously, what had happened when he showed up here to the hospital, what he was looking for, what he was doing?' said McKee.
The shooter's name has not been released, as state agents wait to notify his family.
The Enid officers who shot and killed him have been placed on administrative leave.
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