Richland Fred Meyer shooting: Police arrest suspect accused of killing 1, injuring another

Police arrest suspected Fred Meyer shooter

The man who police say opened fire Monday at a Fred Meyer grocery store in Washington state, that killed one person and injured another, was taken into custody.

RICHLAND, Wash. - The man who police say opened fire Monday at a Fred Meyer grocery store in Washington state, that killed one person and injured another, was taken into custody.

Police identified the suspect as 39-year-old Aaron Christopher Kelly and a warrant for first-degree murder was issued for him. He was arrested on Interstate 90 between Sprague and Spokane before midnight.

Richland police said he was taken to the Tri-Cities and was booked into the Benton County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder.

"We thank the numerous law enforcement partners that quickly collaborated to apprehend this subject," police said.

Dispatchers received a call reporting yelling and possible gunshots in the store at 11:03 a.m. The first officers responding arrived just one minute later, police said.

Police identify man accused in deadly Richland Fred Meyer shooting

38-year-old Aaron Christopher Kelly has a first-degree murder warrant out for his arrest. He is accused of opening fire in Fred Meyer, killing one man and injuring another.

Lee said the suspect and the man who died had some sort of interaction prior to the shooting, according to store video footage seen by police. At the time, police said they don’t know what the apparent conversation entailed and don’t know if the two people knew each other.

Police identified the victim who died as 38-year-old Justin Krumbah.

The second victim was taken in critical condition to Kadlec Regional Medical Center where he was undergoing surgery Monday afternoon. Police said that person was a Fred Meyer employee.

Lee said there were no additional victims.

According to court documents, a Kennewick Fred Meyer employee said a man came into the on Feb. 3 and was suspected of shoplifting. Another employee took a photo of him in from of the store with his car. Documents said employees knew him to be Kelly from previous shoplifting incidents.

Investigators said officers talked to Kelly's former roommate, who reported that Kelly "has been spiraling mentally and is very paranoid." His former roommate also said he previously was seen with a handgun.

Police and sheriff’s deputies from across the Tri-Cities were called to help, and schools were placed on modified lockdown.

Employees and customers were escorted out of the store to a parking lot while officers went aisle by aisle searching for the shooter or other victims.

Richland Fred Meyer shooting: Police chief gives update on manhunt

Richland police give an update on a deadly shooting that took place inside of a Washington state Fred Meyer store.

Fred Meyer officials said in a statement to FOX 13 News that they were deeply saddened and cooperating with law enforcement.

"The entire Fred Meyer Family offers our thoughts, prayers, and support to all affected individuals and families during this difficult time, and we have initiated counseling services for our associates," the statement said.

Richland, Washington, part of the Tri-Cities, is about 200 miles southeast of Seattle.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Get breaking news alerts in the FREE FOX 13 Seattle app. Download for Apple iOS or Android. And sign up for BREAKING NEWS emails delivered straight to your inbox.

Stay connected with FOX 13 News on all platforms:
DOWNLOAD: FOX 13 News and Weather Apps
WATCH: FOX 13 News Live
SUBSCRIBE: FOX 13 on YouTube
DAILY BRIEF: Sign Up For Our Newsletter
FOLLOW: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram