Suspect charged after allegedly making threats toward Marion General Hospital, Columbia police say

A suspect is in custody after allegedly threatening Marion General Hospital Monday.

According to police, a call came in from the hospital reporting threats to patients and staff. Officers determined the suspect was a former patient identified as 54-year-old David Michael Deron.

The sheriff’s office said deputies and the Columbia Police officers were looking for Deron just after 4 p.m. They were able to find him at his home and took him into custody.

Police say Deron has been charged with making terroristic threats.

According to Marion County Sheriff Berkley Hall, the hospital was on lockdown while authorities searched for the suspect. In a Facebook post, he said the hospital’s lockdown was a safety measure for staff and patients.

The sheriff also urged residents not to post on social media to prevent any panic.

“Please do not get on social media posting stuff that gets everyone upset,” Hall said.

Read more: WDAM