Man Arrested for Bringing Gun to WakeMed

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Safety Concerns at WakeMed After Gun Incident

A recent incident at WakeMed has sparked significant safety concerns after a man was arrested for bringing a gun onto the hospital campus. The event took place on New Bern Avenue, and it has raised questions about security measures at healthcare facilities.

Travion Jackson, 21, was arrested on Thursday. According to court documents, Jackson brought the gun to the hospital with the intent of terrifying others. This alarming action has left many patients and visitors shaken.

Cindy Chamblee, a woman who was at the hospital during the incident, shared her experience. She was visiting her mother when she saw Jackson sitting on the ground near the main lobby in handcuffs, surrounded by police. "It was really scary," Chamblee said. She expressed concern that if the police had not intervened, the situation could have escalated further.

Chamblee noted that Jackson could have easily found someone within the hospital. "If he was there to try to find somebody, he could have probably easily done it," she said. This statement highlights the vulnerability of the environment and the potential risks faced by patients and staff.

WakeMed officials reported a fight involving guns and multiple people at the hospital's parking deck. As a result, the hospital was placed on secured access while Campus Police officers searched for suspects who had reportedly entered the facility. Officials stated that the group responsible had left the hospital, but Jackson was arrested.

Chamblee questioned what could have happened if the police hadn't acted quickly. "You can probably go anywhere in that hospital, and nobody will even know it," she said. "You don't have to check in or anything." Her comments underscore the lack of stringent security protocols that could prevent such incidents.

WRAL News reached out to WakeMed to inquire about the security measures in place to prevent similar situations. They asked whether there were any metal detectors or weapon detection systems at this location. In response, a spokesperson stated that the hospital "constantly reviews its current safety measures and security incidents, including weapons detection, to further enhance security efforts."

However, Chamblee believes more needs to be done. "They need to make hospitals and places like that safe for the patients and the people there," she said. Her call for improved security reflects the growing concern among the community.

Jackson now faces several charges, including felony possession of a gun on an educational property, since WakeMed falls under the UNC Board of Nursing. He is also charged with armed to terrorize people and possession of a firearm by a felon. This comes after he was convicted last year for possessing a weapon of mass destruction.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full extent of the events that transpired. This case has highlighted the need for stronger security measures in public spaces, particularly in healthcare environments where vulnerable individuals seek care.

As the situation unfolds, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift action and long-term solutions to prevent future incidents. The incident at WakeMed serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in ensuring the safety of all who enter these critical spaces.