Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said 31-year-old Gabriel DeWitt Wilson is in custody after a gunman fired several shots at a Stop & Shop in West Hempstead. One person is confirmed dead and at least two more are injured, police said.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said they believe the gunman was either a former or current employee of the store. Shots were fired in the manager’s office on the second floor. Ryder said "hundreds" of shoppers were in the store at the time.
Ryder said DeWitt Wilson fled heading westbound on Hempstead Turnpike.
The Person of Interest involved is Gabriel DeWitt Wilson, age 30. He is approx. 6'2" & wearing a black baseball hat and a black sweatshirt, & was last seen heading westbound on Hempstead Turnpike. Please call 911 immediately if you have any information. #NassauCountyPD (2/2) pic.twitter.com/qBcVNSjuF5
— NCPD (@NassauCountyPD) April 20, 2021
The police have urged residents to remain indoors. All West Hempstead schools and Adelphi University were ordered on lockdown.
Officials said to expect delays near Cherry Valley Avenue at Hempstead Turnpike because of police activity.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed State Police to assist in the search.
"I'm praying for the victims, and my heart breaks for their families and loved ones," Cuomo said in a statement.
This is a breaking news story. WSHU News will update this post as more details emerge. This post was last updated on Tuesday at 3:24 p.m.
