Anrae James, Nursing Assistant Shotgunned by Jefferson Hospital Colleague Was “Good Man,” Father Says

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Shockwaves swept through Jefferson University Hospital on Monday after news of a gunman inside the building broke.

“A lot of people didn’t know what was going on,” said Shae Spicer, RN at Jefferson. “A lot of people on this side of the building on the upper floors could hear gunshots, so they immediately took action and went into hiding.”

Sources say Stacey Hayes, 55, went to the hospital in a U-Haul, went inside with blue scrubs and shot her colleague who has been identified by the family as the 43-year-old nursing assistant Anrae James.

RELATED: Sources Identify Suspected Shooter Who Killed Colleague at Jefferson Hospital and Injured 2 Philly Officers

Surveillance video would show Hayes approaching the victim and opening fire while sitting at his workstation, sources say. Hayes then reportedly continued to shoot as Anrae James attempted to escape.

Hayes, who police said was armed with multiple weapons and equipped with a bulletproof vest, then fled the U-Haul hospital. He then shot and injured two police officers before being wounded by the police in retaliation himself.

The victim’s father, William James, says Anrae is survived by his wife, two daughters and a boy.

“(He) played sports with his 11 year old son, took his daughter to work and had two jobs. He was a good man. And for him to come out like that from someone like that is heartbreaking. “

James said he was extremely proud of the man Anrae had become.

“He was an asset to the company, raising a good family,” James said.

But he’s also confused as to how anyone could get weapons inside the hospital.

“How did he get in there with a gun?” said Jacques.

A spokesperson for Jefferson Hospital said in a statement: “Our hearts are broken as we unite to remember our colleague and recognize his teammates who tried to save him and protect other patients in the area. . “

The hospital said it would conduct a thorough review of security protocols after the incident.

Spicer said she hoped it was a wake-up call for the hospital to improve security measures.

“It is certainly a concern for all of us that someone could come in with a gun like this or multiple guns and could bring it to one of our own employees,” she said.

Outside of Jefferson Hospital, Anrae also worked as a barber for many years at Custom Cutz in the Ogontz section of town.