Man shot to death after stabbing doctor at MA hospital

(NBC) - A Massachusetts man is dead after he stabbed a female doctor while being treated at a psychiatric office and was then fatally shot by an off-duty security guard Tuesday afternoon.

The incident happened on the 5th floor of the Massachusetts General Hospital Bipolar Clinic and Research Program.

According to Boston Police, psychiatric patient Jay Carciero, 37, of Reading, attacked his female physician with a knife. She was identified by hospital officials as Dr. Astrid Desrosiers.

An off-duty security guard told Carciero to drop the knife. When he did not comply, the guard shot him. Officials said he was shot twice in the side and once in the head.

Desrosiers is listed in serious, but stable condition.

Police said that Desrosiers was stabbed so many times that there weren't many areas on the doctor's body that were untouched.

"During the course of the stabbing incident, an off-duty security officer, who was armed, interceded. He produced a weapon and ordered the suspect to drop the knife, and when the suspect did not comply, he shot the suspect," said Commissioner Ed Davis of the Boston Police Police Department.

The security guard was not affiliated with the hospital and just happened to be on the 5th floor of the building where the attack occurred, according to Bonnie Michelman, the hospital's security director.

Michelman referred to the off-duty security guard's actions as "heroic" and said they were happy he was there.

The victim also works as an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and is affiliated with the Haitian Mental Health Program.

"A caring and dedicated professional, Desrosiers has spent her career providing extraordinary care and treatment to patients who are among the most vulnerable and those with the most severe psychiatric disorders. Her commitment, compassion and courage are an inspiration to all of us. The entire MGH family is pulling together for her speedy recovery," Massachusetts General said in a statement Tuesday night.

Security locked down the building, notifying employees and patients inside they could not immediately leave. Streets also were shut down nearby for almost an hour. All were allowed back in when authorities deemed the situation safe.

Carciero's family said they are not in a position to comment.

The incident remains under investigation.