The incident happened at the Cherry Valley Mall supermarket around 11 p.m.
There has been an active shooter situation at the West Hempstead stop and shop. He #NassauCountyPD is exploring the area and nearby schools have been notified to close and protect their buildings. The issue has not yet been captured and we ask that residents of the area stay inside
– NCPD (@NassauCountyPD) April 20, 2021
The conditions of the injured are unknown.
During a briefing, Nassau County authorities said a person of interest has been identified as 30-year-old Gabriel Dewitt Wilson.
A “small firearm” was used to shoot a current or former co-worker at a top managers’ office, police said.
Wilson was a Stop & Shop employee at one point, according to police, but is not sure if he continues to work.
Authorities released a description of the suspect as a 6’2 “black man, wearing a black baseball cap and black sweatshirt. He was last seen west at Hempstead Turnpike.
The supermarket was evacuated.
“We don’t know the reason for the shooting,” Nassau police commissioner Patrick Ryder said. “He shot one of the employees and killed him.”
Ryder added that there were a couple of hundred shoppers in the store at the time.
The West Hempstead school district closed schools in the area while police searched for the suspect.
“We’re currently closed and we’ll let you know when it’s over,” the school district said. “Please don’t come to the buildings. Everyone is safe. Thank you.”
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