Three nurses were threatened at gunpoint while taking a break outside Henry Ford Hospital in Warren, Michigan, police say, after a passerby allegedly told them he had three people he could shoot and then produced a black handgun as he counted down from six.
Background
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on June 3, according to police reports obtained by the Macomb Daily. Walter Dwhite Smith, 31, was walking near the hospital's emergency room ambulance bay while engaged in what witnesses described as an agitated phone conversation with an unknown person. The three nurses were seated at a break table outside when Smith walked past them, authorities said.
According to investigators, Smith's demeanor escalated as he continued his heated call. The nurses told police that Smith was pacing and growing increasingly upset during the argument on his phone. As the tone of his conversation intensified, Smith approached the nurses' table, court records state.
The Investigation
Police said Smith began yelling at the person on the phone, allegedly stating, "You think I'm f---ing playing? I got three nurses here I can shoot." Authorities report that Smith then started counting down from six and pulled out a black handgun. The nurses told investigators that Smith pointed the weapon directly at them and warned, "If you take another step, I will shoot you."
Smith allegedly received another call on his phone shortly after the threats and departed the scene on foot, according to police. One of the nurses immediately called 911 following the encounter. Officers with the Warren Police Department located and arrested Smith later that same day.
Court records indicate that hours before the incident, Smith had reported to the Detroit Federal Probation Office on June 2 for a random drug and alcohol test. He admitted to drinking alcohol in the days prior, which authorities said constituted a violation of his probation tied to previous charges. Smith was released after completing the probation appointment before allegedly appearing outside the hospital.
The Charges
Smith has been charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, weapon possession by a prohibited person, brandishing a weapon in public, driving without a valid license, and three counts of felony firearm in connection with the June 3 incident. He remains in custody at the Macomb County Jail on $500,000 bond.
Key Takeaways
- Walter Dwhite Smith allegedly threatened three nurses at gunpoint outside Henry Ford Hospital in Warren, Michigan, around 1 a.m. on June 3
- Police say he produced a handgun and warned nurses not to take another step or he would shoot them
- Smith was arrested the same day after one of the nurses called 911
- He faces multiple charges including two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and three felony firearm counts
What's Next
Smith is scheduled to appear in court on June 25. He is being held at the Macomb County Jail, where authorities have placed a detainer through the U.S. Marshals Service in the event he posts bond. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare their case.