NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Tennessee man is accused of firing a weapon inside a Nashville hospital on Saturday, authorities said.
Nicholas Perre Zaayenga, 33, was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and vandalism of more than $1,000, according to Davidson County online court records.
According to an arrest affidavit, officers contacted security after arriving at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, WTVF reported. Security officers said they heard at least two gunshots inside the stairwell.
Man found with gun, multiple magazines after shooting at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital https://t.co/dqy1uTkv9i
— WKRN News 2 (@WKRN) November 27, 2022
According to court records, officers confronted Zaayenga in the fourth-floor stairwell, WKRN-TV reported. Police said Zaayenga followed commands and was taken into custody, according to the television station.
Officers found a firearm, multiple magazines and bullet casings that matched the same caliber as the pistol that was found near Zaayenga.
Damage was caused to a door inside the stairwell, WTVF reported.
Officers later discovered that Zaayenga had entered the hospital through a back door. A sign informing visitors that no firearms were permitted was posted on the front door of the facility, WKRN reported.
Zaayenga remains in jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, online records show.
©2022 Cox Media Group
