Police in southeast Washington state are searching for a man they say opened fire Monday inside a grocery store, killing one person and injuring another.
The shooting unfolded around 11 a.m. inside a Fred Meyer store in Richland, Washington — about 30 miles north of the Oregon border and 200 miles southeast of Seattle.
Police scanner radio chronicled officers' efforts to clear the store throughout the afternoon, sweeping each aisle and helping both shoppers and workers escape, including a group that hid in the pharmacy area. Those inside the store were escorted to the parking lot.
The suspect, who was armed with a handgun, fled the area after the incident, Richland police Commander Chris Lee said. Authorities said his motive was unknown and it wasn't clear whether specific people were targeted, Lee said. He said the suspect fled on foot or in a vehicle.
Richland Police identified the suspect on Facebook as Aaron Christopher Kelly, 38, early Tuesday Investigators are continuing to search for him, and a warrant for first-degree murder has been issued for Kelly, police said.
"If you see him, please do not try to approach him. Call 911 immediately," Lee said, noting the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
The person wounded is a store employee who was taken to a hospital, and remains in critical condition early Tuesday, authorities said.
The man who died as a result of the shooting was identified by police as Justin Krumbah, 38.
Kelly and Krumbah had an interaction before the shooting, according to store video footage seen by police. Police said they don’t know what the apparent conversation entailed and don’t know if the two people knew each other. The person who died was not a store employee, according to police.
Authorities released photos of the suspect, showing a man in a plaid, long-sleeved flannel shirt and vest pushing a grocery cart. He was wearing a dark-colored gaiter or scarf pulled over his nose, light-colored pants and athletic shoes.
Authorities believe he is driving a silver 2005 Honda Civic WA/BXC3305.
Police and sheriff’s deputies from across the Tri-Cities area in Eastern Washington were called to help, and area schools were placed on lockdown.
Fred Meyer officials said in a statement on Twitter they were deeply saddened and cooperating with law enforcement.
“The entire Fred Meyer Family offers our thoughts, prayers, and support to all affected individuals and families during this difficult time, and we have initiated counseling services for our associates,” the statement said.
Contributing: Associated Press
