RICHLAND, Wash. — Authorities are searching for a man who opened fire Monday at a Fred Meyer in Richland, killing one person and injuring another.
The suspect in the shooting at a Fred Meyer store in Richland was described as a middle-aged white man with a handgun. He fled the store after the shooting, though it was not known he left by foot or in a vehicle, Richland police Commander Chris Lee said.
A $1 million nationwide warrant was later issued for Aaron Christopher Kelly, 39, suspected of killing a Fred Meyer customer and critically wounding an employee on Monday afternoon, the Tri-City Herald reported.
Police in Richland have not disclosed the identities of the alleged shooter, the customer or employee, but online records indicate that Judge Dave Petersen signed the warrant seeking Kelly’s arrest on Monday.
According to the Herald, an internal Richland Police Department “officer safety” memo, issued by Interim Police Chief Brigit Clary, identified Kelly as the man suspected of opening fire inside the Wellsian Way store at about 11 a.m.
Kelly is described as 6-foot, 190-pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a “black puffy sleeveless shell/vest over black and gray plaid shirt and light-colored pants or jeans,” the memo stated.
Investigators are continuing the search for Kelly to bring him into custody and a warrant for first-degree murder has been issued. Kelly is believed to be driving a silver 2005 Honda Civic WA/BXC3305, police said.
“What happened in our city today was a senseless and tragic act. Our hearts and thoughts are with the families of the victims,” Clary said during a news conference early Monday evening.
Police escorted employees and customers out of the store as officers searched for the shooter.
As a precaution, local area schools were placed on lockdown.
Suspect in relation to Richland Fred Meyer shooting. The Richland Police Department is seeking information on the identity and location of the pictured suspect and suspect vehicle in relation to a shooting at the Richland Fred Meyer. (Richland Police Department)
Officers are seeking information on the identity and location of the suspect.
If you know this individual or their whereabouts, you can call Richland Police emergency dispatch at 509-628-0333.
Richland police Commander Chris Lee later addressed the media on Facebook Live near the incident.
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.
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