MEDIA, Pa. – A psychiatric patient who was arguing with his case worker, fatally shot her on Thursday. The shooter was then shot by a doctor who had a gun.

The shooting occurred at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, reports Times Colonist. Both were in the office of psychiatrist Dr. Lee Silverman when witnesses say they heard arguing.

After Plotts shot Hunt, Silverman hid behind a desk to avoid being shot. He then reached for his gun and shot Plotts. A struggle between Plotts and Silverman then occurred until another doctor and caseworker helped to subdue Plotts and take away his weapon.

Silverman was grazed in the head by a bullet, while Plotts was shot twice in the stomach. He had surgery for the injuries he sustained during the shootout.

Mercy Fitzgerald’s policy does not allow for anyone to carry weapons, except for law enforcement, but police say Silverman’s intervention possibly prevented further harm by Plotts.

The suspect has a lengthy history of gun arrests, violence and mental health problems, reports the Post and Courier. According to authorities, Plotts had been committed at least three times to mental health facilities for cutting his wrists and threatening suicide. He also had four gun arrests and had faced assault and gun charges.

On Saturday, he was charged with murder.

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