Authorities say Nicholas Pagano was found inside his vehicle in Waterford Twp., Camden County with what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
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The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office says Pagano attacked a 54-year-old Hackensack University Medical Center worker early Monday morning, striking her with a wrench and setting her on fire in a break room.
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.
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Pagano fled in his car after the incident, and law enforcement was actively looking for him.
Pagano was not a hospital employee but had been working there as a contracted nurse since mid-November.
Even though he was not in custody, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella had already announced charges against Pagano, including attempted murder, aggravated assault and unlawful weapons possession.