WASHINGTON (Washington Insider Magazine) – Authorities said a 39-year-old man was arrested late Monday after a manhunt for a shooter who reportedly began firing inside a supermarket in southeast Washington state, killing at least 1 person and badly wounding an employee.
The Richland Police Department reported in a statement late Monday evening that Aaron Christopher Kelly was brought into custody “without incident” on Interstate 90 between Sprague and the City of Spokane.
Kelly was arrested about 2 hours after police established he was the suspect and about 12 hours after the incident.
Kelly would be returned to the Tri-Cities and placed into the Benton County Jail on charges of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree murder, according to police.
A warrant had been issued for Kelly earlier on Monday in connection with the deadly shooting of Justin Krumbah, 38, inside the Fred Meyer grocery store in Richland, Washington.
Kelly was described as “armed and dangerous” by police in their statement.
According to Richland Police Department Cmdr. Chris Lee, the gunshot was reported at 11:03 a.m. local time (2:03 p.m. ET), and the first officer responded one minute later.
According to Lee, the suspect spoke with Krumbah before pulling the trigger of a firearm. He stated he couldn’t tell what the talk was about or if they knew each other. The motive for the shooting was also unknown.
During a press conference, interim police chief Brigit Clary stated Krumbah was declared dead at the spot.
The culprit fled the store in a silver 2005 Honda Civic with a Washington license plate, according to authorities.
The shooting and the killing, which has not been officially recognized, left Fred Meyer’s firm “deeply saddened,” according to a statement.
The organization is also collaborating with law enforcement officials, according to the statement. While the inquiry is ongoing, the store will stay closed.
According to NBC NEWS, the second victim, who has not been identified, was having surgery on Monday afternoon and remains in serious condition.
The market is about 2 miles west of the Columbia River and about 220 miles east of Portland.
