Three people were shot inside a Stop & Shop store in West Hempstead Tuesday morning and one died, the Nassau County Police Department said. The gunman was arrested after a search, police said.
The gunman, identified as 31-year-old Gabriel DeWitt Wilson, allegedly went into the Stop & Shop located at 50 Cherry Valley Ave. around 11 a.m. wearing a black hat, black mask and black sweatshirt, according to officials. Officials said a 49-year-old man, whose name was not disclosed by police, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other gunshot victims, whose names were also not immediately disclosed, were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, speaking from the scene, said the two other gunshot victims were “conscious and alert” after being transported for further medical care.
Officials said they apprehended Wilson around 3 p.m. Tuesday after he was last seen heading westbound on Hempstead Turnpike. Officials said Wilson was either a current or former employee of the store. Police also said more than 150 officers searched for Wilson after he allegedly fled the scene, helicopters circling overhead.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, who notified the public that Wilson was caught by police via social media, praised the work of the Police Department and said it was an “all hands on deck” effort. Curran acknowledged recent acts of gun violence across the nation, and said the county and its residents “will persevere” and “get through this together.”
“This event just shows that we aren’t immune to what is happening throughout the nation right now,” Curran said on a call to News 12.
Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid said in a statement to Newsday that he was “shocked and heartbroken” by the incident and that the West Hempstead location will be closed until further notice.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our associates, customers and the first responders who have responded heroically to this tragic situation,” Reid said in a statement. “The store will remain closed until further notice, and we appreciate the Long Island community’s support during this difficult time.”
Efforts to reach Reid for further comment were unavailing.
John R. Durso, president of Local Union 338 RWDSU/UFCW, which represents more than 100 of the store’s employees, shared Reid’s sentiment in a statement.
“We are devastated by the tragic shooting at the Stop & Shop in West Hempstead. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those, including workers and customers, who witnessed today’s horrifying events. Our priority is and always will be the physical and mental well-being of our members. Representatives of our union are on site at Stop & Shop and will be ensuring that our members have all of the support they need, including access to counseling.”
“I’m praying for the victims, and my heart breaks for their families and loved ones,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
“I’m praying for the families of those impacted and for our first responders,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted. “This Senate must and will move forward on legislation to help stop the epidemic of gun violence.”
“This is a horrifying tragedy. I’m heartbroken,” Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. To have a loved one taken from you this way is senseless. There are no words. I want to thank the Nassau County Police who responded swiftly and continue to put their lives on the line to apprehend the shooter.”
