The incident happened at around 11 a.m. at the grocery store in the Cherry Valley mall
There has been an active shooter situation at the West Hempstead Stop & Shop. The #NassauCountyPD is investigating the area and nearby schools have been notified to lock and secure their buildings. The subject has not yet been tackled and we ask that local residents stay indoors
– NCPD (@NassauCountyPD) April 20, 2021
A 49-year-old man was pronounced dead on the spot.
The other two victims were transported to a regional hospital where their condition is unknown.
The supermarket was evacuated.
“I was in the shop in the production department, doing my business, doing my weekly errands and I heard what sounded like gunshots, but I never thought something like this would happen in the store, so I assumed it was something that just fell over in the service area, ”said one customer.
During a briefing, Nassau County authorities said a person of interest has been identified as 30-year-old Gabriel Dewitt Wilson.
A “small gun” was used to shoot a current or former colleague in an upstairs office, police said.
Wilson was once a Stop & Shop employee, police say, but isn’t sure he’s still employed.
Authorities released a description of the suspect as a 6’2 “black man, wearing a black baseball hat and black sweatshirt. He was last seen west on Hempstead Turnpike.
The person concerned is Gabriel DeWitt Wilson, 30 years old. He is approx. 6’2 ”& wearing a black baseball hat & black sweatshirt & was last seen west on Hempstead Turnpike. Call emergency number immediately if you have any information. #NassauCountyPD (2/2) pic.twitter.com/qBcVNSjuF5
– NCPD (@NassauCountyPD) April 20, 2021
Wilson has had a previous psychiatric case with the Nassau County Police Department. In 2006 he was arrested for assault in Baltimore County.
“We don’t know the reason for the shooting,” said Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder. “He shot one of the employees and killed him.”
Ryder added that there were several hundred customers in the store at the time.
The West Hempstead School District has locked out schools in the area while police are looking for the suspect.
“We’re currently in a lockout and we’ll let you know when it’s over,” the school district said. Please don’t come to the buildings. Everyone is safe. Thanks.’
If anyone has information about this incident or the person in question, please contact the Nassau County Police Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call the Fifth Squad at 516-573-6552. If anyone sees the person of interest, call 911 immediately. All callers remain anonymous.
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