York, PA – The growing unease in Nancy Duarte Matarese on Saturday turned into full dread as she was escorted to a small family room inside WellSpan York Hospital. The room was just miles away from UPMC Memorial Hospital, where her son, Officer Andrew Duarte, had been involved in a violent hostage situation and shooting earlier that day.

The day had started like any other, with Officer Duarte reporting for duty as a member of the West York Borough Police Department. His dedication to protecting and serving the community was evident in everything he did, and he had earned the admiration of both his colleagues and the people of York. However, no one could have anticipated the tragic turn of events that would unfold, altering the course of many lives forever.

Nancy Duarte Matarese recalled the moment she arrived at the hospital. A quiet but unnerving atmosphere filled the air. She saw concerned faces, hushed conversations, and a sense of urgency among hospital staff. As she was led to a small, secluded family room, an overwhelming feeling of dread consumed her. She instinctively knew that something was terribly wrong.

“I thought to myself, ‘This isn’t good, because if he was still with us, they would take me to him,’” Duarte Matarese said. “I had the feeling that Andrew had been called to his eternal home with the Lord, and that he wasn’t here with us anymore.”

Her worst fears were soon confirmed—Officer Duarte had been killed in the line of duty.

A Hero Who Served with Honor

Officer Andrew Duarte was more than just a law enforcement officer; he was a son, a friend, a protector, and a man deeply committed to his duty. His colleagues described him as fearless yet compassionate, someone who always looked out for others. Whether it was assisting a stranded driver, responding to an emergency call, or mentoring new recruits, Duarte approached every situation with professionalism and kindness.

“He had a warrior heart and a warrior spirit,” his mother said. “He always knew he wanted to serve, and he did so with everything he had.”

Duarte had joined the West York Borough Police Department after completing his training at the police academy, where he had excelled both academically and in physical endurance. His dream had always been to wear the badge and to uphold justice in his community.

Colleagues recalled his unwavering dedication, saying he would often stay late to ensure his work was done, or step in to cover a shift for a fellow officer in need. His presence at the precinct was not just that of a colleague, but a brother-in-arms who could always be counted on.

A Violent Hostage Situation Unfolds

The incident that led to Duarte’s death unfolded in the early hours of February 22, 2025, at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York. According to authorities, the suspect, 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, had entered the hospital with a handgun and zip ties concealed in a bag. His intentions were clear: he was there with a plan.

York County District Attorney Tim Baker confirmed that Ortiz appeared to have previous contact with the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) earlier in the week regarding a medical matter involving another individual. However, what triggered him to return armed and prepared for violence remains under investigation.

Authorities stated that Ortiz made his way directly to the ICU, an area of the hospital where critically ill patients receive intensive care. As he entered, chaos ensued. Staff and visitors scrambled for safety as Ortiz took control of the area, brandishing his weapon and making threats.

Officer Duarte Responds to the Crisis

As soon as reports of an armed individual inside the hospital came through, law enforcement officers, including Officer Duarte, rushed to the scene. Officers had been trained for high-risk situations, but hospitals are considered sacred spaces—places meant for healing, not violence. The team knew they had to act swiftly but carefully.

Officer Duarte was among the first to enter the hospital. According to preliminary reports, he and his fellow officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging Ortiz to surrender peacefully. However, Ortiz refused to comply, and the standoff escalated.

During the confrontation, gunfire erupted. Officer Duarte was struck in the exchange, as were others present at the scene. The officers engaged in a desperate attempt to neutralize the suspect and protect the civilians in the hospital.

A Community Shaken to Its Core

The news of Officer Duarte’s death spread rapidly, leaving the York community in shock. For many, the reality of such violence hitting so close to home was difficult to process.

Local resident Tad Pequignot described the horrifying moment he received a text message from his wife, who was working in the ICU when the shooting began.

“[I] got a text from my wife who works in the ICU. And she said that she loved me and that she didn’t know if she was going to make it out,” Pequignot said, his voice trembling as he recalled the terrifying ordeal.

Another longtime resident, Mary Eck, expressed her disbelief and sadness. “A hospital? You would think you’d be safe, but it’s just not anymore,” she said while visiting the makeshift memorial outside the police department.

The Aftermath: Mourning a Fallen Hero

In the wake of Duarte’s passing, the outpouring of grief and support has been immense. Outside the West York Borough Police Department, a growing memorial of flowers, candles, balloons, and handwritten messages serves as a poignant tribute to a man who gave his life in the line of duty.

Members of the law enforcement community, local residents, and total strangers have gathered at the site, many standing in silence, while others openly weep for the loss of an officer who had become a symbol of courage and sacrifice.

Fellow officers, some visibly shaken, have shared stories of their time with Duarte, recalling moments of camaraderie, bravery, and dedication.

“We lost one of our best,” said a fellow officer who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s not just a job to people like Andrew—it’s a calling. And he answered that call every single day.”

A Mother’s Grief and Strength

Nancy Duarte Matarese, while devastated by the loss of her son, has found solace in the overwhelming love and support of the community. In the days following the tragedy, she visited the memorial outside the police station, taking in the sea of candles and heartfelt messages left for Andrew.

“Seeing how much he was loved, how much he impacted others—it helps,” she said. “But nothing can bring him back.”

Matarese has called for unity in the wake of the tragedy, urging people to honor her son’s memory by supporting law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day.

“They go out there every day knowing there’s a risk, but they do it anyway. Because they believe in what they’re doing. Because they want to protect us,” she said.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooting, piecing together the motives and exact sequence of events. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and the FBI have been called in to assist with the inquiry.

York County officials have vowed to ensure that justice is served, and law enforcement agencies across the state have expressed their solidarity with the West York Borough Police Department as they navigate this profound loss.

Honoring Officer Andrew Duarte’s Legacy

A public memorial service is being planned to honor Officer Duarte’s life and sacrifice. In the meantime, the York community continues to mourn, coming together in an extraordinary display of unity and support.

Officer Andrew Duarte’s legacy will live on—not only in the stories shared by those who knew him but in the lives he touched and the community he served so faithfully.

Rest in peace, Officer Duarte. Your warrior heart and unwavering courage will never be forgotten.