Man with rifle, 13 loaded magazines fatally shot by police at Target

The gunman, identified as 32-year-old Joseph Jones, opened fire inside Target before being confronted and fatally shot by Omaha Police.
The gunman, identified as 32-year-old Joseph Jones, opened fire inside the Target in Omaha before being confronted and fatally shot by police. Photo credit Omaha Police Department

A man carrying a rifle and 13 rounds of ammunition opened fire at a Target store in Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday before being killed by police.

No one was injured except the gunman, identified as 32-year-old Joseph Jones, who was confronted inside the store and shot by police when they arrived.

"Officers issued numerous loud verbal commands ordering the suspect to drop the rifle. An Omaha Police officer then fired their service handgun striking the suspect," police said in a statement. Jones was declared dead at the scene.

Police said Douglas County 911 received at least 29 calls about an active-shooter inside the store shortly before noon, which prompted a heavy police response.

"The first arriving officers went into the building, confronted the suspect and shot him dead," Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said at a press conference, per NBC News.

It's not clear how long Jones was in the store before officers arrived or how many shots he fired, but shoppers and staff managed to avoid the gunfire by running out of the exits or hiding in fitting rooms and bathroom stalls.

After the shooting, officers searched the store three times before declaring the scene safe. During the search, officers located bullet casings throughout the store.

Police released several images from inside the incident, several of which show Jones carrying and pointing a weapon, described as an "AR-15 style rifle." He also had 13 loaded rifle magazines, according to police.

"It was determined that Mr. Jones purchased the rifle used in this incident at Cabela's four days prior to this incident," police said.

A motive for the shooting wasn't immediately clear.

The department also identified the officer who fired his weapon, saying he has been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy while the investigation continues.

The company released a statement saying the store will remain closed while police investigate, and that team members will be provided full compensation and access to on-site counseling.

"We are extremely grateful that all of our guests and team members were safely evacuated from the store without injury," the statement said. "We thank the Omaha Police Department for their fast response and we continue to partner with them on their investigation."

Featured Image Photo Credit: Omaha Police Department