Police capture gunman accused of opening fire inside Cobb Co. health facility

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — One employee was wounded during a shooting inside a private hospital in Smyrna Wednesday.

Police say when the shooter opened fire inside the Ridgeview Institute, one employee was wounded in the leg by a ricochet. They're expected to be OK.

The shooter, later identified as Tevin McDonald, ran into a nearby neighborhood, and many neighbors told Channel 2’s Richard Elliot they were terrified.

It was a chaotic scene Wednesday afternoon after police say McDonald walked into the mental health hospital seeking treatment but then, they say, a fight broke out and McDonald pulled out a handgun and shot his way out of the building, slightly injuring one employee in the process.

“It's a little disconcerting because the neighborhood is usually very quiet,” neighbor Vanessa Vidal told Elliot.

Cobb County and Smyrna police chased McDonald into the quiet neighborhoods that surround the hospital.

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Maureen Patrick couldn't get her three children home because police cordoned off the area.

"We just saw a whole lot of police cars going by, counted like 20, 30, 40. I think there was like 50 to 75 of them.
It was crazy," Patrick said.

Karen Briglevich tried to get her mail during the search.

“The police officer was sitting there with his gun pointed at the lake in front of my house and said, get back inside, get back inside. So, of course I did,” Briglevich said.

NewsChopper 2 was up over the scene 40 minutes later when police finally found the gunman and took him into custody unharmed.

Neighbors told Elliot they were relieved.

“It's terrifying, but you know, I feel in good hands and so thankful to Cobb County and Smyrna police,” Briglevich said.

McDonald was charged with aggravated assault, possession of firearm/knife during commission of a felony and other charges. He's being held without bond. %

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Police still haven't released why McDonald was at Ridgeview seeking help.

Cox Media Group