Nicholas Pagano is wanted in a brutal attempted murder where he would set a coworker on fire in the break room at the hospital where he worked. According to police reports Nicholas Pagano would attack another nurse at the Hackensack University Medical Center, in New Jersey by setting the woman on fire and striking her several times with a wrench. Thankfully the victim is expected to survive however police are now searching for Nicholas Pagano and as of yet no motive is known. Update – Nicholas Pagano was found dead
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Police are investigating after a traveling nurse set a Hackensack University Medical Center worker on fire Monday morning in North Jersey.
Authorities say a 54-year-old employee got into an argument with traveling nurse Nicholas Pagano, of West Deptford, who is not a hospital employee but working there as a contracted nurse since mid-November.
After the argument, Pagano allegedly set a female worker on fire and struck her with a wrench inside a break room around 5:20 a.m.
The victim suffered third-degree burns over her upper body and hands, as well as a laceration to her head that required stitches.
She was initially treated in the emergency room at HUMC and then transported to another medical facility for treatment.
Authorities say Pagano fled in a car after the incident.
Police in Bergen County believe Pagano is driving a 1998 white Jeep Grand Cherokee, with black roof racks and New Jersey plates S57NJH.
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced that Pagano is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and unlawful weapons possession.
Police say Pagano should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hackensack Police Department at (201) 646-7777.
Nicholas Pagano Death
Nicholas Pagano, the man suspected of setting a colleague on fire Monday at Hackensack University Medical Center, was found dead 24 hours later of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office said Pagano’s body was discovered Tuesday morning in Waterford Township. He was wanted on charges of attempted murder, aggravated arson, aggravated assault and unlawful weapons possession.
The 31-year-old traveling nurse allegedly confronted a patient care technician around 5:15 a.m. Monday in a hospital break room. Authorities said he hit the woman with a wrench and set her on fire.
Pagano was not scheduled to work that day, CBS2’s Nick Caloway reported.
A witness told police he saw Pagano near the break room and then heard a female screaming. The witness also told police he saw the victim running in the hallway, with Pagano chasing her.
Pagano left the hospital and after a manhunt, his body was found Tuesday morning in Camden County.
The 54-year-old victim suffered third-degree burns and needed stitches on her head. She was treated at the emergency room before being transferred to another hospital.
The episode left some people rattled.
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Nicholas Pagano Death
Nicholas Pagano would commit suicide before he could be arrested