Delnor Hospital lockdown lifted; Man with knife sought, police say

GENEVA, Ill. (WLS) -- Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva was put on lockdown Tuesday morning after a man allegedly threatened his relative with a knife.

Police are seeking the public's help as they search for the suspect, whom police have identified as Justin Patzer, 30, of Campton Hills. He is believed to be armed with a knife and is considered to be "dangerous", police said.

Patzer is described as 5'9", 250 lbs, with closely shaved brown hair, blue eyes, and wearing a grayish/green shirt and blue jeans. Police also said Patzer has two black eyes, apparently from a fight.

Eyewitness News was told Patzer walked in to Delnor Hospital - where his father is being treated - carrying a knife and apparently got into a fight with his brother-in-law over property.

"Threatened him and had choked him, began to choke him and then attempted to attack him with a knife," said Cmdr. Julie Nash, Geneva Police Dept.

The hospital was put on lockdown for about an hour as police searched for Patzer. Police said he got away in a red 2004 Dodge Caravan with license plate P769405. The minivan has damage to the front passenger side after he apparently crashed into another car while fleeing the hospital.

"At this time, we just want to make contact with him, make sure that he is safe, make sure the public is safe and resolve this incident," Cmdr. Nash said.

Patzer has a long criminal history in Kane County. He has been arrested for many charges, including felonies, and has also done time in prison. Law enforcement was at Patzer's last known address in nearby Campton Hills on Tuesday afternoon.

Patzer is wanted on disorderly conduct, battery, aggravated assault and leaving the scene of an accident.

Police investigate a report of an armed person at Delnor Hospital in Geneva.