Pine Bluff medical clinic discusses hostage situation

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KTHV) -- A medical clinic in Pine Bluff came under attack Thursday by a man allegedly carrying a gun and explosives.

Thursday afternoon was full of tense moments at the Jefferson County Comprehensive Care Clinic when police said a patient named William Brown, took two nurses hostage in an exam room.

Sandra Brown, the clinic's CEO said the situation escalated when the suspect was being evaluated by two nurses.

"When the staff began to hear loud noises they knew something was out of the ordinary," she said.

CEO Brown said she's proud of how quickly her staff responded once they realized those two nurses were in danger.

"They prepare for all types of emergencies just like the one they had yesterday," she explained. "Why, we don't want things like this to happen, but as always you have to be prepared."

Pine Bluff SWAT officers took William Brown into custody.

They say the gun he carried turned out to be a toy, and they found no explosives.

Brown, now faces multiple charges from terroristic threatening to battery.

CEO Brown said the two women held hostage are ok, but still shaken.

"Both are traumatized as well as the other staff that was in the back. Indeed, this would be considered a major incident," she said.

CEO Brown said professional counselors held a debriefing with staff members Friday afternoon.

"Even though you can have all types of plans ready, but you don't ever think it's really going to happen to you," she added.

CEO Brown said the quick action by police and her staff allowed the clinic to re-open Friday morning, and she hopes William Brown gets the help he needs.

"We're glad that the appropriate actions are happening, but we also recognize that he needs some professional help, and that is very important."

Following Thursday's incident, William Brown attempted to escape from officers, adding additional charges to his case.

Friday morning, a judge set his bond at $250,000 secured.