Officer Killed In York Hospital Shootout Had Pittsburgh-Area Tie

PITTSBURGH, PA —The police officer killed Saturday during a hostage situation at a York hospital attended college in Western Pennsylvania.

West York Borough Officer Andrew Duarte, 30, received a criminal justice degree from PennWest University's California branch in 2016, the university has confirmed.

"Officer Duarte was a valued member of our PennWest California alumni family, and his service and dedication to his community will not be forgotten," PennWest-California President Jon Anderson said in a statement.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. We stand with them in honoring his sacrifice and commitment to keeping others safe."

Duarte died and five others were wounded Saturday when Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz entered UPMC Memorial Hospital in West Manchester Township Saturday morning. Authorities said he entered the hospital's intensive care unit, held staff hostage and shot a doctor, nurse and custodian.

Two officers were wounded in the subsequent shootout with Archangel-Ortiz in which he and Duarte were killed.

Duarte, who had been with the West York department since June 2022, previously served for five years on the Denver Police Department. While there, he received the Colorado Drug Recognition

Expert Top Student Award.

"Officer Duarte was a valued member of our PennWest California alumni family, and his
service and dedication to his community will not be forgotten," PennWest-California President Jon Anderson said in a statement.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. We stand with them in honoring his sacrifice and commitment to keeping others safe."