Minyone Patterson: Mom of Atlanta shooting suspect claims her son Deion was given 'messed up medication'
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: The mother of the Atlanta hospital shooting suspect who killed one person and injured at least four others said that her son received "messed up medication" and then he opened fire. Minyone Patterson apparently blamed his medication for the fatal shooting on Wednesday, May 4, at Northside Hospital Medical Midtown as police continue to locate the suspect, Deion Patterson, 24.
Referring to medication taken for treating seizure disorders, Minyone said, "The damn VA gave him some messed up medication, and all he wanted was an Ativan." However, she did not provide further details about the shooting or about her son, reported New York Post.
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Deior Patterson's military background
According to officials, Minyone and her son were at the facility on Wednesday afternoon when Deion opened fire after he became agitated. According to CNN, Minyone's statements conveyed that the alleged gunman had a military background. However, it remains unclear about Deion's connection with the military or his service. The suspect is still at large and the public has been warned by the police that the 24-year-old man may be "armed and dangerous." Wearing a gray hoodie with its hood pulled up and dark pants, Deion's photos captured from the surveillance photos were released. He also had a face mask and appeared to be carrying a satchel.
Victims of the Atlanta shooting
Following the shooting that shook the Northside Hospital Medical Midtown, one of the victims was shifted from the scene for treatment at the time at nearby Grady Memorial Hospital and was later pronounced dead.
According to Dr Robert Jansen, Chief Medical Officer of Grady Health System, the condition of the three victims has been listed as critical. Two others were also being operated on.
As the killer is still on the loose, several schools in Atlanta are locked down "out of an abundance of caution." After the investigators lifted the order, they suggested that Deion may have been out of the downtown area and had carjacked a vehicle.
The police are currently receiving support from the Northside Hospital to assist them further in the investigation. "This tragedy is affecting all of us, and we ask for patience and prayers at this time," read the statement. Anyone who has found Patterson alive will be receiving a $10,000 award.