Double-Amputee Allegedly Shot Doctor in the Neck inside Florida VA Medical Center, Reports

February 28, 2019 | by Ra'eesah Manack

A doctor at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center was shot in the neck by a double amputee patient on Wednesday night. However, he still managed to restrain the patient.

Hospital staff report that the wheelchair-bound man, identified as 59-year-old Larry Ray Bon, arrived at the VA around 8:30 a.m. Staff went on to say he had been "combative" the entire day.

Around 6:20 p.m., a tech allegedly saw Bon loading a gun in the restroom. The tech alerted staff but before staff could react the patient came out and allegedly opened fire.

Police on the scene of shooting at WPB VA Medical Center. ⁦@CBS12⁩ pic.twitter.com/h9YC2k7jtA
— Al Pefley (@PefleyAlCBS12) February 28, 2019

An unidentified doctor was struck in the neck. A female staff member was also grazed by a bullet during the gunfire.

Despite his injury, the doctor managed to subdue the patient. According to reports, Bon was taken into custody and there were no other injuries.

Shooting at VA Medical Center, source says ER doctor shot in neck. He went to St. Mary’s. ⁦⁦@CBS12⁩ pic.twitter.com/rXxVwKy1rN
— Al Pefley (@PefleyAlCBS12) February 28, 2019

The doctor has been transferred to a local hospital for surgery. He is reportedly in stable condition and the female staff member's injuries were not life-threatening.

A spokesman for the hospital revealed the Bon was a homeless veteran who briefly served in the U.S. Army. According to the FBI, a warrant for his arrest has been issued.

FBI says the injured Dr was the one who subdued the VA Hospital shooter. They say Larry Bon opened fire and the doc jumped on him, getting shot in the process. Doc is in stable condition. No word on the motive for the shooting. @WPBF25News pic.twitter.com/X3K5VXr9ux
— Ari Hait (@wpbf_ari) February 28, 2019

The facility remained closed for Wednesday while authorities assessed the scene. It reopened two hours later and a hospital spokesman revealed the operations will continue as usual today.

The FBI has taken the lead on the investigation as the shooting occurred in a federal building. Bon is expected to appear in federal court later today.