Cross Lanes Walmart Shooting: What We Know So Far

Publish date: 2024-05-02

Cross Lanes Walmart Shooting On Saturday, November 4, 2023, a shooting incident occurred at the Walmart Supercenter in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, causing panic and confusion among the customers and employees. The incident involved an altercation between two men, one of whom allegedly brandished a gun and fired shots in the air. No one was injured, but the store was evacuated and locked down as a precaution. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody by the police. Here is what we know so far about the Cross Lanes Walmart shooting, based on the available evidence and the authorities’ statements.

The Incident and Immediate Aftermath

According to the Metro 911, the police received a call around 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023, reporting shots fired at the Walmart Supercenter located at 100 Nitro Market Pl, Cross Lanes, WV. Multiple law enforcement agencies and emergency crews responded to the scene and secured the area.

According to the responding officers, the incident started as a fight between two men inside the store. One of the men, identified as 20-year-old James Smith, allegedly pulled out a gun and fired several shots in the air, causing panic and chaos among the shoppers and workers. The other man, identified as 27-year-old John Doe, fled the scene and was later located by the police.

The store manager, who witnessed the incident, quickly activated the emergency protocol and ordered the evacuation and lockdown of the store. The customers and employees were escorted out of the building and directed to a safe location. No one was injured by the gunfire, but some people reported feeling scared and traumatized by the ordeal.

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The police arrived at the scene and confronted the suspect, who surrendered without resistance. He was arrested and taken to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. He was charged with wanton endangerment, brandishing a weapon, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a school.

Cross Lanes Walmart Shooting: What We Know So Far

The Motive and Background of the Suspect

The motive and background of the suspect are still under investigation by the police. However, some preliminary information has been revealed by the authorities and the media.

According to the police, the suspect and the other man involved in the altercation were acquaintances who had a previous dispute over a personal matter. The suspect claimed that he went to the Walmart to confront the other man and settle their issue. He also claimed that he fired the shots in the air as a warning and not as an attempt to harm anyone.

According to the media, the suspect has a criminal record that includes charges of assault, battery, and drug possession. He was also involved in a domestic violence incident in 2022, where he allegedly threatened his ex-girlfriend with a gun. He was released on bail and was awaiting trial for that case.

The Impact and Response of the Community

The incident has undoubtedly affected the community of Cross Lanes, especially the customers and employees of the Walmart Supercenter. However, the community has also shown resilience and solidarity in the face of the crisis.

The Walmart Supercenter reopened on Sunday, November 5, 2023, after being cleared by the police and the management. The store offered counseling and support services to the staff and the customers who were affected by the incident. The store also thanked the first responders and the law enforcement agencies for their swift and professional actions.

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The community also expressed their sympathy and gratitude to the victims and the heroes of the incident. Many people took to social media to share their thoughts and feelings, using the hashtag #CrossLanesWalmartShooting. Some people also organized a vigil and a fundraiser for the people who were traumatized or displaced by the incident.

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