Ohio State Police announced that a shooting incident occurred at around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, in a warehouse in New Albany, resulting in one fatality and five injuries.
Upon receiving the report, local authorities cordoned off the warehouse of personal care brand KDC/One. Images released by local media showed the scene being monitored by dozens of police vehicles.
In a statement released on Wednesday, New Albany city officials identified the suspect as Bruce Reginald Foster III and stated that the police are actively pursuing him.
The five injured individuals have been taken to local hospitals for treatment, with their conditions currently unknown. Approximately 150 employees have been safely evacuated.
New Albany Police Chief Greg Jones told NBC4 that the incident appears to be a “targeted attack,” but did not provide further details. Jones mentioned that both the suspect and victims were employees of the warehouse, and the suspect had been present at the scene for several hours before the shooting occurred. There was no altercation or conflict leading up to the incident.
Authorities recovered a firearm at the scene, with some of the shooting captured on surveillance footage. While the suspect did not leave in a vehicle, the police have gathered descriptions of a vehicle potentially associated with him. It is believed that he acted alone.
Jones described the shooting as a “heartbreaking and tragic incident.”
According to information from the KDC/One company’s website, they primarily produce beauty, personal care, and home care products.
As per data from the Gun Violence Archive (GVA) and CNN, this incident marks the 26th mass shooting in the United States this year, defined by GVA and CNN as events where four or more individuals are injured or killed (excluding the suspect).
Authorities have indicated that further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
The public has been urged to contact the New Albany police at 614-855-1234 if they possess any information that could assist in the investigation.