Washington

A Brighton man was arrested Thursday after threatening Washington County Hospital staff members over the phone. According to authorities, he said, “lots of people were going to get hurt” and that a particular hospital employee should be out front wearing a vest.

The man was identified as Roger Smith, 60, of Brighton. The hospital received the call at approximately 9:15 a.m. Police responded and advised the hospital to go into lockdown. 

Smith was later found in Washington, arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail. He was charged with first-degree harassment.

Authorities said no other parts of the hospital or its facilities were targeted. They have not released a motive, and the incident remains under investigation.

The Washington Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County Attorney’s Office assisted in the response.