Man shot dead by police during struggle in Olympia hospital

Man shot dead by police during struggle in Olympia hospital
A man who brought three handguns into Providence St. Peter Hospital was shot to death by an Olympia police officer early Saturday after he became unruly with the staff and wrestled with the officer, according to police.

By Mike Lindblom

Seattle Times staff reporter

A man who brought three handguns into Providence St. Peter Hospital was shot to death by an Olympia police officer early Saturday after he became unruly with the staff and wrestled with the officer, according to police.

The man has been identified as Joseph Leonard Burkett, 43, of Elma, according to the Thurston County Coroners Office.

Burkett, described as 6 feet tall and 220 pounds, was in the emergency room to be treated for a head injury. The emergency-room staff called 911 at 2:13 a.m. when Burkett became agitated, police say.

Officers confiscated two guns from him and stayed in the emergency room while the injury was treated. At about 4:15 a.m., as a medical test was being prepared, Burkett "became agitated and unruly" and produced a third gun, a police statement said. A police officer and Burkett "wrestled for the weapon. During the struggle, the officer fired one shot at the subject," police said.
read more here
Man shot dead by police during struggle in Olympia hospital