Nurse who allegedly struck co-worker with wrench and lit her on fire is found dead

HACKENSACK N.J. (TCD) -- A 31-year-old man who allegedly beat a nurse with a wrench and lit her on fire was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound one day after the attack.

On Feb. 7 at approximately 5:15 a.m., Hackensack Police responded to Hackensack University Medical Center after receiving a call that an employee "had been attacked and burned by another individual in a break room," according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect, Nicholas Pagano, reportedly fled the hospital and a search began for his whereabouts. The Prosecutor’s Office said he was "believed to be armed and dangerous."

The victim, who was only identified as a 54-year-old nurse, suffered third-degree burns on her hands and upper body. She also needed stitches for a laceration on her head. The victim was treated at Hackensack University Medical Center and then taken to another hospital for more treatment. NJ.com reports the victim is in critical condition.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office announced Feb. 7 that Pagano was wanted on charges of attempted murder, aggravated arson, aggravated assault, and unlawful weapons possession. He allegedly "burned the victim and struck the victim with a wrench."

According to NJ.com, the police affidavit notes, "There was also charring located in the break room in the area where the victim was believed to have been sitting."

Pagano, a traveling nurse, was reportedly not scheduled to work the day of the attack. NJ.com reports he has been registered nurse in New Jersey since 2016.

Pagano was reportedly discovered deceased Feb. 8 in Waterford, N.J.

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