Aultman Hospital Employee Shot During Struggle with Combative Patient: Suspect in Custody

Aultman Hospital Employee Shot During Struggle with Combative Patient: Suspect in Custody

Canton, Ohio – An Aultman Hospital employee was shot Friday night during a chaotic incident that unfolded inside the hospital when a combative patient overpowered a security officer and discharged a weapon, striking a technician. Authorities have since arrested the suspect, identified as James Fair, and charged him with multiple felony offenses following the violent confrontation.

Incident Unfolds Inside Hospital

According to a Canton Police report, the altercation began shortly before 8:00 p.m. when James Fair, who was under observation at Aultman Hospital, became increasingly agitated and combative. During the escalation, Fair reportedly engaged in a physical struggle with a hospital security guard, during which he was able to gain control of the officer’s holstered firearm.

In the struggle, Fair fired a single round, which struck a hospital technician—described by 911 callers as a nurse technician—in the abdomen. Emergency response was swift, and Aultman Health later confirmed the injured technician is a member of their staff and currently in stable condition following emergency medical treatment.

Staff Response and Law Enforcement Involvement

Hospital staff acted quickly to regain control of the weapon and restrain Fair, holding him until officers with the Canton Police Department arrived on the scene. According to the report, Fair continued to resist officers, yelling incoherently and physically struggling as police placed him in handcuffs and leg restraints before escorting him from the hospital.

Officers transported Fair to a police cruiser and later to the Stark County Jail, where he reportedly continued acting erratically, talking to himself, yelling at no one in particular, and repeatedly banging his head against the divider inside the vehicle.

Fair is now facing three counts of felonious assault and one count of aggravated robbery, stemming from both the shooting of the hospital employee and his efforts to seize the security guard’s weapon during the struggle.

Investigation and Evidence

The security officer involved in the struggle told investigators that Fair suddenly grabbed for the weapon while it was still holstered. As the officer tried to prevent Fair from taking full control, the firearm discharged during the struggle.

Police have secured the weapon, along with additional security gear, and are analyzing evidence collected at the scene. That evidence includes:

• The fired bullet
• The victim’s bloodied clothing
• The security guard’s equipment
• Security camera footage from inside the hospital
• Witness statements from both involved security officers and nearby hospital personnel

Authorities say that the entire incident was captured on hospital surveillance cameras, which will be reviewed in full as part of the investigation.

Hospital and Community Response

Aultman Health released a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that the injured staff member is being cared for and is expected to recover. The hospital commended the professionalism and swift response of both hospital staff and law enforcement, which prevented further injury or loss of life.

“This was a terrifying situation for everyone involved,” said an Aultman representative. “We are incredibly grateful to the staff who intervened so quickly and to Canton Police for their fast and effective response.”

Security protocols at the hospital are now under review to determine how Fair was able to access the guard’s weapon and whether additional safety measures need to be implemented to protect patients, staff, and visitors.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

James Fair remains in custody at Stark County Jail. His mental and physical state is expected to be evaluated as part of the judicial process, especially in light of his continued erratic behavior following his arrest. A court appearance is anticipated in the coming days, where bond may be set and further legal proceedings initiated.

The Canton Police Department continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Canton Police tip line.

This incident marks a sobering reminder of the dangers healthcare and security personnel can face, even within hospital walls, and underscores the importance of coordinated emergency protocols. The hospital community continues to rally around the injured technician, while law enforcement works to ensure justice is served.