Police in southeastern Washington state are searching for a man they believe opened fire inside a grocery store, killing one person and injuring another.
The shooting happened around 11 a.m. inside a Fred Meyer store in Richland, Washington — about 30 miles north of the Oregon border and 200 kilometers southeast of Seattle.
Police scanner radios recorded officers’ efforts to clear the store throughout the afternoon, sweeping each aisle and helping both shoppers and workers escape, including a group hiding in the area. pharmacy area. People inside the store were escorted to the parking lot.
SuspectRichland police commander Chris Lee said the man, armed with a handgun, fled the area after the incident. Authorities said his motives were unknown and it was unclear whether specific people were targeted, Lee said.
Police Monday afternoon said they had identified the suspect but did not release his name. Police said the suspect had contacted law enforcement in the past.
Lee said the suspect escaped by walking or driving.
“If you see him, please don’t try to approach him. Call 911 immediately,” Lee said, noting that the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
The injured person was a store employee who was taken to the hospital, underwent surgery and was put in a critical condition, Lee said.
The suspect and the deceased victim were in a relationship prior to the shooting, according to store video footage seen by police. Police said they did not know what the obvious conversation entailed and did not know if the two knew each other. According to police, the person who died was not a store employee.
Authorities released photos of the suspect, showing a man wearing a long-sleeved plaid shirt and vest pushing a grocery cart. He wears a dark cape or scarf that falls over his nose, light pants, and sneakers.
Sheriffs and sheriffs from across the Tri-Cities area of Eastern Washington were called to help, and schools in the area were placed on lockdown.
Fred Meyer officials said in a statement on Twitter that they are deeply saddened and are cooperating with law enforcement.
“The entire Fred Meyer Family sends our thoughts, prayers, and support to all affected individuals and families during this difficult time, and we have begun services. advises its associates,” the statement said.
