Nurse shot by man who grabbed trooper's weapon in hospital stable, officials say

A nurse shot by a man inside a Marion County hospital is in stable condition, deputies said.

Troopers said Jason Gignac, 38, was walking on Interstate 75 when he asked them for a ride to West Marion Hospital.

Troopers responded twice and gave him a warning to get off the interstate, but he claimed he needed medical attention the third time they showed up.

They said once at the hospital, he managed to grab a trooper’s gun and open fire, striking a nurse in the leg.

The troopers received minor injured in the scuffle that ensued as Gignac was reaching for the weapon.

Florida Highway Patrol’s policy is to take suspects to the nearest medical facility if they become sick or injured during an arrest.

During that time, the trooper must maintain “security of the prisoner.”

Troopers can take handcuffs off those who are sick, injured, disabled, handicapped or elderly, but “alternative safety precautions and sound professional judgment must be used.”

An investigation is ongoing.

Gignac remains in jail.

Cox Media Group