A 42-year-old man has been charged after authorities say he left a bag inside a parking garage at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, prompting a temporary evacuation of parts of the hospital while law enforcement investigated a possible bomb threat.
Officials later determined the bag did not contain any hazardous materials, and normal hospital operations resumed after the area was cleared.
Incident
According to authorities, officers responded to CaroMont Regional Medical Center at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday after receiving reports of a suspicious package in the hospital’s parking garage.
Hospital officials said the package was treated as a potential threat while law enforcement assessed the situation.
Out of caution, patients and staff in The Birthplace, including the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), were relocated during the investigation.
Investigation
Court documents allege that Konstantinos Papazoglou placed a duffle bag in the parking garage with the intent of causing security personnel and law enforcement officers to believe it was a weapon of mass destruction.
According to investigators, the bag contained various personal items and electronic devices but no hazardous materials or explosives.
After examining the package, authorities determined it did not pose a threat, allowing normal hospital operations to resume.
Hospital Response
A spokesperson for CaroMont Regional Medical Center said the evacuation was conducted as a precaution while first responders investigated the suspicious package.
The hospital stated:
“Out of an abundance of caution, patients and staff in The Birthplace were safely relocated while the package was assessed. Working with law enforcement, the package was determined to pose no threat, and normal operations resumed.”
Hospital officials also emphasized that patient care continued throughout the incident.
“At no time were patients or staff in danger, and patient care continued without interruption elsewhere in the facility. The safety of our patients, visitors and staff is always our highest priority, and we are grateful to our teams and first responders for their swift, coordinated response.”
Charges
Papazoglou has been charged with:
- Interfering with hospital operations
- Weapon of mass destruction hoax device
The charges stem from allegations that the suspicious bag caused the temporary evacuation of portions of the hospital, including the childbirth center and NICU.
Mental Health
According to the Gastonia Police Department, Papazoglou has a documented history of an ongoing mental health crisis.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding the investigation or whether any further charges may be filed.
The case remains under investigation. While authorities determined the suspicious package did not contain hazardous materials, officials say the incident prompted a significant emergency response and the temporary relocation of patients and staff. The charges against Papazoglou remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
FAQs
Where did the incident occur?
At CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia.
What was found inside the bag?
Personal items and electronics, not explosives.
Who was arrested?
Konstantinos Papazoglou, 42.
What charges does he face?
Hospital interference and bomb hoax charges.
Were patients ever in danger?
Hospital officials said they were not.
