WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A suspect is in custody following a shooting at a Long Island grocery store that left one person dead and two others injured on Tuesday morning.
A 49-year-old manager was killed and two other people injured when a gunman — who works at the store collecting shopping carts — opened fire at a Stop & Shop located at 50 Cherry Valley Avenue in West Hempstead at 11:19 a.m.
"When the subject had shown up to work today, he went straight down to an office on the second floor. At that time he shot a male and a female victim, both of those victims are recovering now at a local hospital. Then he went down to a second office where he shot and killed one of the managers of the building," Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Gabriel DeWitt Wilson, who has addresses in Long Beach and Hempstead, then fled the scene, heading westbound on Hempstead Turnpike, reportedly on a bus, setting off a massive manhunt that lasted four hours and involved more than 150 officers.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo also directed New York State Police to help local authorities in the search for the suspect.
"We are closely monitoring the ongoing situation in West Hempstead," Cuomo said in a statement. "My team and I are in constant contact with first responders on the ground. I'm praying for the victims, and my heart breaks for their families and loved ones."
Ryder said police tracked Wilson to an apartment building on 100 Terrace Avenue in Hempstead.
Officers, including the SWAT unit, surrounded the building and Wilson was apprehended as he tried to flee down through the first floor.
Ryder said Wilson was wearing a black baseball hat, black mask and black sweatshirt at the time of the shooting and was in possession of a small handgun.
A motive for the shooting is not known.
Wilson has a short criminal history as well as a history of mental aid from officers.
Charges against him are pending. He will be arraigned Wednesday.
Ryder said there were about a couple of hundred shoppers in the store at the time of the shooting.
Barbara Butterman, who does her regular shopping, at the store was in shock when she heard the gunshots as she was in the produce section.
"There are open areas under the bins of fruits and vegetables that we could have gone under, so that's why we stayed there. I wasn't sure if going outside would have been a wise thing if he came out of the store and he just opened fire, I mean other shooters have done that in other locations," she said. Her hands were still shaking when she spoke with WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "We came that door with the police, hands up and all of us walked across the parking lot. Store shoppers, employees, we all exited the store together."
A worker inside the store reported hearing six shots.
"I asked the officer if I should leave and he came over with all the employees sitting here. I heard about six shots and I've been sitting in the parking lot watching and they put somebody on a stretcher, I mean, they have so many ambulances here and I saw somebody come out on a stretcher," the worker said.
Stop & Shop president Gordon Reid issued a statement saying, "We are shocked and heartbroken by this act of violence that occurred at our store."
"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. "At this time, we are cooperating fully with local law enforcement on the investigation. The store will remain closed until further notice, and we appreciate the Long Island community's support during this difficult time."
Residents in the area have been advised to remain indoors.
“There has been an active shooter incident at a West Hempstead Stop & Shop. Police are canvassing the area and schools nearby have been notified to lock down and secure their buildings. Nassau County PD is asking all area residents to remain indoors. Suspect is not yet apprehended," county spokesperson Christine Geed said in a statement.
Schools in the area have also been told to lock down.
The West Hempstead School District wrote on Facebook that they are in a "lock out" due to police activity in the area and urged the public not come to the buildings.
Malverne High School is also going on lockdown as a precaution.
Students at Adelphi University's Garden City campus were also told to shelter in place. In-person classes have been paused.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Nassau County Police Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244- TIPS or call the Fifth Squad at 516-573-6552.