Security Officer HEld Hostage

SECURITY OFFICER HELD HOSTAGE

Jacksonville Fla Sept 21 2010  A rookie Wackenhut security officer who was put in charge of watching a dangerous criminal while he received medical treatment at a Jacksonville Fla. hospital was overetaken-pistol whipped with his own gun and then held hostage at gunpoint.

Police said that this all occurred at the Shands Medical Center when a prisoner was brought in for an unknown medical issue.

Security guard John Scarborough, 62, told The Florida Times-Union this morning he was able to wrestle the gun away from the man after a momentary standoff with another security guard and a corrections officer who pointed their weapons at the gunman in a hospital hallway. No shots were fired.

The rescue occurred as the gunman threatened panicked nurses that “you all better run because I’m going to start shooting.” A handful of nurses ran for cover.

Police charged Larry Garner, 19, of Jacksonville with aggravated battery and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Court records show Garner was awaiting trial after being charged with attacking corrections officers at the jail early this month and July. He was being held for sentencing after being convicted of carrying a concealed firearm and resisting arrest in June.

Scarborough said he had previously watched Garner and was aware of his pending charges. Scarborough said he felt capable of guarding Garner, who'd given him no trouble in the past after being brought to the hospital for medical treatment. He said he saw no reason to have more than one guard on Garner, despite his criminal history.

"I knew the guy," Scarborough said.

Scarborough, a Vietnam veteran, said he's never experienced anything like Saturday's attack while a security guard. Previously self-employed selling gun cleaner at gun shows, Scarborough said he's aware his new job has its dangers, but he never figured on being taken hostage.

“You’re never prepared for it," Scarborough said. "It was quite a to do there for awhile."

Wildes said the contracted security guards at the hospital should have known Garner could be trouble because they were aware of his criminal record and propensity to act out. She didn't know if any corrections officers had talked to Wackenhut about Garner on this trip.