Man charged in flare gun incident at Fountain Valley hospital

The suspect in Wednesday’s disturbance at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley has been charged with making criminal threats and discharging a firearm with gross negligence, both felonies.

Thomas Christopher Ray, 51, of Chino is in Orange County Jail on $50,000 bail, according to sheriff’s records.

Police responded to the hospital at 18111 Brookhurst St. on Wednesday morning on reports of a possible active shooter in the parking lot. Officers found Ray, who had been subdued by a doctor and nurse, with a flare gun and a replica firearm, police said.

Ray is alleged to have shot at least one flare gun round into the air while making verbal threats to “shoot up the hospital,” police said. There were no injuries or property damage.

A security guard witnessed the incident and retreated inside to alert authorities. Police said the man’s girlfriend was being treated at the hospital.

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