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1 shot by loss prevention officer outside Washington Walmart, police say

KENNEWICK, Wash. — A loss prevention officer shot a man outside a Walmart Supercenter in Kennewick on Black Friday after the man attempted to steal merchandise from the store, according to police.

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The man, who was not immediately identified, was taken into custody after police responded to a report of shots fired on South Quillan Street, KIRO-TV reported.

Lt. Jason Kiel told KEPR-TV that the incident began around 12:45 p.m., when police began receiving reports of a shooting in the Walmart parking lot. He said that customers fled from the store through emergency doors as the shooting took place.

Investigators determined that a man went into Walmart, grabbed some items and left, Kiel said. He pulled out a firearm after he was met by the loss prevention officer outside the store.

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“The loss prevention officer, who was a concealed carry permit holder, produced his own firearm and shot at the suspect several times, striking him,” Kiel said. “The suspect then fled in a vehicle.”

Police said that they got information about the man’s whereabouts about half an hour after the shooting.

“After just a short standoff the suspect came out, was taken into custody and was transported to a local area hospital, where he is receiving treatment for his wounds,” Kiel said. “His condition is unknown.”

No one else was injured in the shooting, authorities said. The suspect is expected to face charges of second-degree assault and first-degree robbery.

“At this point, I don’t have any information that we’re going to be charging the loss prevention officer,” Kiel said, adding that the officer was uninjured and cooperating with investigators.

Walmart was closed for a few hours as authorities investigated the shooting. It re-opened around 2:30 p.m., KIRO reported.