Colorado Walmart Shooting: 3 Killed

Customers were forced to flee a Walmart in Thornton, Colorado, on Wednesday November first, when a man fired a handgun into a group of people, killing a woman and two men. The men died in the store, and the woman died later in the hospital. The store was located in a highly populated area which included restaurants, a movie theater, and a couple other stores.

According to CBS news, police spokesman Victor Avila said a man “nonchalantly entered the store and fired a handgun into a group of people before fleeing in a car.” The scene took place just after 6 pm. The man has not been found or arrested for the incident. There is currently no indication that the shooting was an act of terror. According to Fox news, a nationwide extradition homicide warrant has been put out for him.

Police have identified the suspect as 47 year-old Scott Ostrem, and they told reporters he was considered both armed and dangerous. According to Fox news, he was said to have been wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, and a maroon shirt. Investigators spoke to witnesses and reviewed security footage to get a visual description of the shooter. They are currently searching for the suspect’s car, a red Mitsubishi Mirage four-door hatchback. According to CBS, “Special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were helping police in investigation.”

Fox states that employees ran into their back room to hide as the shots were fired, and then ran out of the back of the building ten minutes later. 44 year old Aaron Stephens,  was in the self-checkout line when he heard a single shot followed by, “two more bursts,” before he saw people run for cover.

A Walmart spokesman told reporters that the company was cooperating with investigators and declined to give any comments regarding the incident.