A tense situation unfolded at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden when a man allegedly made repeated bomb threats, causing panic among staff and a temporary disruption to emergency services. The incident highlights how a single threat can affect an entire hospital and the safety of patients, doctors, and visitors.
Incident at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden
Police say the accused, Dustin Eugene Child, 50, was taken into custody after creating fear inside the hospital. According to investigators, the issue started earlier in the day when Child attended an appointment but felt unhappy with the outcome. After leaving, he allegedly began thinking about how to create the biggest disruption and draw a large response from law enforcement.
Later that evening, just before 6 p.m., he returned to the hospital and approached staff members.
What the suspect allegedly told hospital staff
Arrest documents state that Child told two staff members that he had a bomb in his pocket. He allegedly claimed the bomb was active and would explode if he removed his hand. He repeated the same statement to two hospital security guards who arrived to handle the situation.
These words immediately triggered emergency safety protocols. Staff became fearful for their lives, and the hospital had to take the threat seriously, as there was no way to confirm whether the claim was real in those critical moments.
How the threat affected hospital operations
The Ogden Police Department confirmed that the emergency room services were disrupted for at least 18 minutes due to the threat. In a hospital environment, even a short disruption can have serious consequences, especially for patients who need urgent care.
Here is a simple overview of the impact:
| Area affected | Impact |
|---|---|
| Emergency room | Services disrupted for at least 18 minutes |
| Hospital staff | Fear, stress, and safety concerns |
| Patients | Delays and anxiety during treatment |
| Law enforcement | Large police response required |
| Public safety | Increased risk and panic in the area |
Thankfully, officers arrived quickly and managed the situation calmly.
Arrest and charges against the suspect
Police safely took Child into custody without any violence. After his arrest, officers confirmed that no bomb was found on him. However, the seriousness of the threat led to multiple criminal charges.
He was booked into the Weber County Jail on the following charges:
- Felony threat of terrorism
- Aggravated assault
- Criminal mischief
- Making a false alarm
- Misdemeanor assault or threat of violence against healthcare providers
Investigators also said that Child admitted he knew his actions would cause disruption, trigger a police response, and create a false alarm. This admission could play an important role in the legal process.
Why false threats are taken seriously
Even when no explosive device is found, bomb threats are treated as extremely serious crimes. Hospitals are high-risk locations because they contain vulnerable patients, life-saving equipment, and busy emergency departments. A single false threat can:
- Put lives at risk
- Delay medical treatment
- Cause emotional trauma to staff and patients
- Waste emergency resources
- Create fear across the community
Law enforcement agencies across the US continue to warn that such actions carry heavy legal consequences.
