JEFFERSONTOWN, Ky. (LEX 18/WAVE 3) –Police say one man and one woman are dead in a shooting at a Kroger in Jeffersontown.
51-year-old Gregory Bush was arrested in connection to the crime. He is facing multiple charges, including two counts of murder and 10 counts of first-degree wanton endangerment.
Jeffersontown Police Chief Sam Rogers said Bush walked into the Kroger on Taylorsville Road, near the corner of Hurstbourne Parkway, and fired multiple shots at a man. He then walked outside and fired more shots at a woman in the parking lot.
During the news conference, police were asked about a motive. Someone asked, “it’s possible he just went into the store and started firing at random?”
Rogers responded, “I don’t know what the motive was, but it does appear to be that way, yes.”
The shooting was reported around 2:55 p.m. Wednesday.
Multiple witnesses say that they heard two bursts of gunfire inside of the store before they saw two men exchanging gunfire in the parking lot moments later. An armed person outside the store confronted the shooter and also exchanged shots with him.
An employee of Securitas who said he had some EMT training said he tried to help one of the victims, but it was too late.
A witness told WAVE 3 that he watched as cop cars came over the curb on Hurstbourne to stop a man in a car and that police arrested that man.
Kroger released a statement about the incident:
“We are shocked and saddened by the shooting incident that occurred around 2:30 pm today. Thanks to the quick response of the local police department, the suspect was apprehended and our store is secure. We are cooperating with law enforcement and assisting with their investigation. Our store is closed and will reopen after the investigation concludes. We are referring all other questions to law enforcement.”
The ATF and FBI are helping police in their investigation, but the shooting appears to be random.
Jeffersontown Police Department released a statement Wednesday night saying that the scene was cleared and people could pick up their vehicles that were left at the parking lot. “We are deeply saddened by this fatal shooting in our community. Our hearts are with the victims, families, witnesses, and everyone impacted by this tragedy. We will release more detailed information about the incident tomorrow. As of 8 p.m., police have cleared the scene at Kroger (9080 Taylorsville Rd). Patrons are now able to pick up their vehicles that were left in the parking lot. Kroger will remain closed until Friday at 7 a.m.”
Deeply saddened by today’s fatal shooting incident at the Jtown Kroger. Details are still emerging, but gun violence has no place in our community, or any community.
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) October 24, 2018
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer released a statement:
“I am heartbroken by this shameful and horrifying incident, and I am angry about the tragedy that results from people with guns who have no respect for human life. Over the coming days, we will learn more about what happened today. For now, I grieve with the families of the victims. I ask everyone in our community to keep them in your prayers and commit to taking action against senseless gun violence.”
Governor Matt Bevin Tweeted about the shooting, saying:
“In a world increasingly marked by random acts of evil, our hearts are broken for the family & friends of those killed today while simply shopping for groceries…Let each of us stand in the gap with intentional acts of civility & kindness #BeTheDifference“
Press conference expected shortly in Louisville Kroger shooting.
Posted by LEX 18 on Wednesday, October 24, 2018
