WESTLAND (WWJ) -- A suspect is now in custody in the shooting death of a Salvation Army bill ringer at a Westland grocery store.
Westland Police officers responded the the scene at Kroger, on Ford Road near Central City Parkway, at 6:10 p.m. Thursday, on a report of shots fired.
Police said one victim was found dead in the store with multiple gunshot wounds.
A spokesperson for the Great Lakes Division of The Salvation Army did confirm in a statement that the victim was at the store collecting money, when the gunfire rang out.
According to police, an initial investigation found that this was not a random shooting, and that the shooter and the victim knew each other.
The suspect fled the store, but was identified, located and arrested overnight.
His name and other details are being withheld pending an arraignment on the charges.
No further information is being released about the victim at this time.
Lt. Col. Steve Merritt, divisional commander of the Great Lakes Division of The Salvation Army, said in a statement:
"The Salvation Army is profoundly heartbroken by the tragic incident that took place at the Kroger in Westland. We lift up in prayer all who are affected, especially the individual involved, their loved ones and the Westland community. We are working closely with the Westland Police Department as they investigate the situation."
Also releasing a statement following the shooting, the Kroger company said:
"We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred outside of our Westland Kroger located at 36430 Ford Road. We are cooperating with local law enforcement, and will continue to follow their guidance while the police investigation continues. To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are deferring all questions to Westland Police Department."
Investigators were on scene at the Kroger store well into the night, but the store was back open Thursday morning.
Anyone with additional information, or who witnessed the shooting, should contact Westland police.