Mercy Gunman Threatened To Shoot Up Chicago Fire Academy: Report

CHICAGO — The 32-year-old gunman responsible for opening fire Monday at a Near South Side hospital had threatened to do the same to the Chicago Fire Academy around five years ago, authorities told the Chicago Tribune. He made those threats after he was fired from the academy following allegations of "aggressive and improper conduct" toward women, the report added.

Juan Lopez had been booted from the academy before finishing his training and had not been assigned to a fire station as either a paramedic or a firefighter, the report stated. Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford described Lopez as having "issues," the report added.

It was not clear if Lopez's conduct had involved women who also were in training or if they had other roles at the academy.

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On Monday, an argument between Lopez and his girlfriend, an emergency room doctor at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, escalated into a violent and tragic shootout at the facility. Four people died in the incident, including Lopez; his girlfriend, Dr. Tamara O'Neal, 38; Dayna Less, 25, a first-year pharmacy resident; and Chicago police Ofc. Samuel Jimenez, 28.

According to authorities, Lopez, who had no criminal record, shot O'Neal after confronting her about a broken engagement in the hospital's parking lot. As the incident continued to unfold, Jimenez and Less were struck inside the hospital, and Lopez was found dead, although it isn't clear whether he was shot by police or suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives searched Lopez's home following the shooting in an effort to trace his weapons, the Tribune reports. He had a valid Firearm Owners ID, as well as a concealed carry permit, and he had purchased at least four guns in the past five years, the report added.

More via the Chicago Tribune

Chicago police secure the area around Mercy Hospital and Medical Clinic on Monday, Nov. 19, after a 32-year-old gunman opened fire at the facility. (Photo by Scott Olson | Getty Images)