A man reportedly entered and opened fire in a Washington Fred Meyer on Monday, killing one and injuring one. Police responded to a call at the grocery store in Richland, Washington. Later, 39-year-old Aaron Christopher Kelly was arrested without incident on Interstate 90, northeast of Richland where the store is located. He is currently being held at the Benton County Jail.
The Richland Police Department released a statement via their Facebook, announcing the news, followed by an update on the incident at the Washington Fred Meyer. The initial news announcement claimed Kelly was on the run and encouraged any witnesses or people with information to contact the tip line, “39-year-old Aaron Christopher Kelly has been identified as the suspect in the shooting on 2/7 at the Richland Fred Meyer. This shooting resulted in the death of 38-year-old Justin Krumbah. Investigators are continuing the search for Kelly to bring him into custody. A warrant for Murder 1st Degree has been issued for Kelly. Kelly is believed to be driving a silver 2005 Honda Civic WA/BXC3305.”
The post continued, “Kelly should be considered armed and dangerous. Please do not approach him. Call 911 for an immediate police response. Call non-emergency dispatch at 509-628-0333 if you have other information on his whereabouts.”
Kelly shot and killed 38-year-old Justin Krumbah at the Washington Fred Meyer, and injured another person. The Richland Police Department confirms he likely faces charges for first-degree murder and attempted murder.
The post ended by giving information about the victim still in critical care, “The surviving victim is currently in critical condition and receiving continuing treatment at an area hospital. This investigation remains an active, around-the-clock effort by our investigators. The Richland Police Department continues to hold the victims and their families in our thoughts during this difficult time”
Immediately after police arrived, the Washington Fred Meyer store was searched and evacuated, while nearby schools were put on lockdown. The spokesperson for the police also mentioned the deceased victim and the shooter had an interaction prior to the shooting, but it is unclear on what it included yet as the investigation continues. It is also being revealed that the deceased person was a shopper, while the one still critically injured, an employee.
Fred Meyer’s parent company Kroger, left a message of condolence saying, “The entire Fred Meyer family offers our thoughts, prayers, and support to all affected individuals and families during this difficult time.”
