Camouflaged Ala. gunman taken into custody

updated 4:07 p.m. ET Feb. 5, 2007

DOTHAN, Ala. - A gunman wearing camouflage clothing and a helmet was taken into custody Monday after ordering doctors and nurses out of a small medical center, apparently firing shots as he barricaded himself inside.

City spokeswoman Cynthia Greene said authorities do not believe anyone was taken hostage, and police reported no injuries.

Police and sheriff’s deputies had surrounded the Primecare medical center.

Police Chief John Powell planned a news conference later Monday.

Trish Griggs, who works at a nearby store, said two nurses ran to her building from the outpatient clinic.

Griggs told the Dothan Eagle that the nurses described the gunman’s camouflage garb and said that shots were heard.

“He said he didn’t want to hurt the patients,” Griggs said the nurses told her. “He asked them all to leave.”

Griggs said she could see doctors and other medical staff gathered behind the center.

Martha Pace, who is in a wheelchair, told the newspaper she was in an exam room when she heard several shots fired. She said her husband wheeled her out a back door.

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