PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) – Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital is facing a $35 million lawsuit filed by the family of a security guard who was shot and killed at the hospital.

THE family of Bobby Smallwood says Northwest 22 Hospital failed to follow its own safety protocol, which led to their son’s death and they don’t want it to happen again.

In July 2023, PoniaX Calles accompanied his partner to Legacy Good Samaritan. The lawsuit says hospital staff filed five reports documenting Calles’ violent behavior over three days.

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On July 22, Smallwood, 44, who worked as a security guard at the hospital, was ordered to wait with Calles in the hallway while other security staff searched his partner’s room before to escort him.

The lawsuit says that despite finding several guns and ammunition and learning that Calles had a concealed gun on him, staff did not notify Smallwood. Then, when staff stopped Calles from leaving the hospital, he shot Smallwood in the neck.

“We understand that Mr. Smallwood was on the ground for nearly eight minutes while in the hospital and died shortly thereafter,” said Tom D’Amore, the family’s attorney. .

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D’Amore states that “despite documented threats and abusive behavior that required immediate removal under hospital policy, Legacy allowed a dangerous person to remain on the premises for three days – until that these threats degenerate into violence.”

FOX 12 reached out to Legacy Health for comment, but they said they are unable to comment on pending litigation.

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