One Dead, One Hurt in Richland Fred Meyer Shooting, Suspect Sought UPDATE

UPDATE---the truck is not longer part of the investigation (1:28 PM) 

AND MORE---initial calls came in at 11:03 AM.   Reports of shooting in store. RPD says the suspect HAS LEFT the building, not known if on foot or in a vehicle. (1:33PM)

Richland Police say the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

RICHLAND POLICE SEEKING FRED MEYER SHOOTER

Sometime around noon, Monday Feb. 7th Richland Police released by way of their Facebook page, warnings to people to avoid the Fred Meyer on Wellsian Way due to an incident.

Soon word was released via their Public Information Officer, that a man (RPD says the suspect is the one pictured) had opened fire and fired a number of shots inside the store. Earlier reports said he was inside, but then we learned apparently he had left the location.

It is not known yet if this was a targeted shooting, according to KEPR-TV.  We learned that Christ the King School in Richland initiated a lockdown out of an abundance of caution around 12:01 PM. It said:

"Christ the King Parish/School: We have initiated a secure and teach lock down. Students will remain inside for recess. We are taking all necessary precautions. Please trust that we will keep you updated when the secure and teach lock down is lifted. UPDATE."

One victim was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland but has since died. Reports also indicate a second person was injured.

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A widescale alert has been issued, law enforcement officers from as far away as Oregon are responding to help with searching for the suspect. He's said to be a sandy-haired white man, probably in 30's wearing a black mask when he entered the store.

Richland Police also released an image of a white pickup believed to be associated with the shooting but didn't say if the suspect was driving.

We will update you with more information as we get it.