Headline: Former Employee Arrested with Loaded Shotgun Near New York Hospital, Preventing Potential Mass Casualty Situation

In a harrowing incident on Tuesday morning, a disgruntled former employee of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, New York, was arrested near the facility with a loaded shotgun. The arrest, prompted by a tip from the suspect's brother, prevented what authorities believe could have escalated into a mass casualty situation.

The suspect, identified as 52-year-old Robert Thibodeau, had recently been fired from the hospital, according to Plattsburgh City Police Department. Concerned about his brother's comments regarding harming people, Thibodeau's brother promptly informed the police. Law enforcement officials acted swiftly, locating and apprehending Thibodeau near the hospital.

A search of Thibodeau's vehicle revealed a loaded 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, along with two magazines, each containing 10 rounds, and a box of additional ammunition. Police Chief Peter Mitchell stated that authorities strongly suspect that Thibodeau intended to use the gun at the hospital.

Clinton County Sheriff David Favro commended Thibodeau's brother as a hero for reporting the potential threat to law enforcement. Favro emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Families need to realize how critical this is because in a case like this, he saved his brother's life and the lives of many other people at the hospital." He went on to say that this incident was as close as he had seen to a possible mass casualty situation.

Sheriff Favro acknowledged that while most reports of potential violence turn out to be non-credible, this case was different. He noted, "This one was real. It was totally real, and thank goodness the response was swift, and it ended the way it did, but it very easily could have been a major national news story, which is what we certainly don't need."

Thibodeau's vehicle was intercepted by police shortly before 9 a.m. on Tuesday, based on a report of a "disgruntled former employee" believed to be en route to the hospital with loaded firearms. Initially refusing to pull over and later ignoring officers' commands, Thibodeau was eventually taken into custody without further incident.

The hospital's President, Michelle LeBeau, acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that a phone system failure at the hospital delayed the alert about the threat until around 9 a.m., coinciding with Thibodeau's arrest. LeBeau expressed gratitude to the family member who alerted law enforcement and emphasized the need for ongoing planning, education, and implementation of changes to ensure a safe healthcare environment.

Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest praised the officers' swift response, asserting that the incident was a reminder that no community is immune to mass shootings. He expressed appreciation for their commitment to keeping the community safe.

Thibodeau appeared in court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to one count of second-degree criminal possession of a loaded firearm. He was subsequently remanded to jail following his arraignment.

Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the case in order to gather more information about Thibodeau's motives and intentions.