A man who was reportedly at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah for a medical evaluation carjacked a woman on the property Thursday morning, leaving her with apparent injuries before leaving in her car. Hialeah police officers descended on the hospital campus and canvassed the surrounding area as they searched for the suspect, who remained at large as investigators pieced together how the confrontation unfolded.
According to WSVN 7News, the man was reportedly undergoing a medical evaluation at the hospital, located at 2001 W. 68th St., when he took off with the victim's car. Aerial footage from 7SkyForce showed the chopper hovering above first responders as officers fanned out through the area near the hospital.
An officer photographed apparent injuries to the victim's left arm at the scene, the station reported, though police have not released further details about how the confrontation began or escalated. Investigators continued working the case Thursday, and WSVN 7News asked readers to check back for updates as more information becomes available.
What Charges Could the Suspect Face
If identified and apprehended, the suspect could face serious felony exposure. Under Florida Statute 812.133, carjacking is defined as taking a motor vehicle through force, violence, assault, or fear, and it is classified as a first-degree felony, according to Galanter Law PA. That charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison if no weapon was involved, or up to life imprisonment if a firearm or other weapon was used.
Florida law addresses multiple theft categories. Per George Law, theft offenses include motor vehicle theft.
A Hospital Already Under Scrutiny
The carjacking adds to a run of institutional turbulence at Palmetto General, a 360-bed acute care facility whose emergency department handles roughly 45,000 patient visits a year, according to a hospital job listing on Monster. Healthcare Systems of America took over operations and control of Palmetto General and four other hospitals in 2024, with final approval in October; the property owner retained the physical property following the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of previous operator Steward Health Care, per Wikipedia.
Hoodline previously reported that the City of Hialeah reached a $2.4 million settlement with Healthcare Systems of America this past July to resolve more than $3 million in delinquent water and sewer bills owed by Palmetto General and Hialeah Hospital, debt largely inherited from the Steward Health Care era.
Investigation Ongoing as Police Canvass the Area
Hialeah police continued canvassing the area as they investigated the case.
Police in Thursday's Hialeah case have not released the suspect's identity or condition as officers continued their search.
