1 dead, 2 wounded in Long Island grocery store shooting

One person has been killed and two are wounded after a shooting at a grocery store in West Hempstead, a town located on Long Island in New York.

The Nassau County Police Department said the shooting took place at 11:19 a.m. Tuesday at a Stop & Shop, when “a couple hundred shoppers” were in the store. According to authorities, shots were fired in the manager’s office located upstairs.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder told reporters that the two wounded people have been transported to the hospital, adding they were conscious and alert.

Ryder confirmed that the deceased individual was a 49-year-old male store employee.

The Nassau County Police Department wrote in a tweet shortly before 1 p.m. that the person of interest was identified as Gabriel DeWitt Wilson.

The Person of Interest involved is Gabriel DeWitt Wilson, age 30. He is approx. 6’2″ & wearing a black baseball hat and a black sweatshirt, & was last seen heading westbound on Hempstead Turnpike. Please call 911 immediately if you have any information. #NassauCountyPD (2/2) pic.twitter.com/qBcVNSjuF5

— NCPD (@NassauCountyPD) April 20, 2021

Shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, the Nassau County Police Department said in a tweet that the suspect was apprehended and taken into custody.

Ryder confirmed to reporters earlier in the day that Wilson worked at the grocery store “one time,” but could not confirm if he was still employed by them at the time.

Ryder said, according to witnesses, that Wilson had a small handgun. Ryder added that Wilson was still carrying the firearm when he left the scene.

Ryder told reporters that authorities do not know the reason for the shooting, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

Police asked residents earlier in the afternoon to remain indoors. Nearby schools were notified of the situation and were told to lock down and secure their buildings.

Updated at 3:50 p.m.