HOLLAND, OH – A typical Monday evening turned chaotic for shoppers and employees at a Walmart in Holland, Ohio, after a shooting incident inside the store forced an evacuation. The incident unfolded just before 4 p.m. when a 17-year-old allegedly fired a gun during an altercation involving two other juveniles and an adult.

Shoppers arriving at the Walmart were met with locked doors and a heavy police presence, as authorities responded swiftly to the scene. The parking lot, usually bustling with activity, stood eerily quiet under the flashing lights of police vehicles.

Brian Wingate, a local resident, had planned a quick trip to the store to prepare for the upcoming Buckeye game. Instead, he found himself caught in the aftermath of the unexpected event. "This is where I usually shop for groceries, and it's never like this," he said, recalling the unsettling scene.

According to a Lucas County Sheriff's deputy, the altercation escalated quickly, leading to the teenager discharging a firearm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident left employees and patrons shaken. One staff member, visibly distressed, described the ordeal as far from a typical workday.

Holland's police chief noted the collaborative response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lucas County Sheriff's Office and the metro parks police. The SWAT team also arrived to secure the area, ensuring there were no additional threats and that everyone was safe.

The adult involved in the altercation was identified as Lawrence Payne III. Authorities have charged all three individuals with assault, disorderly conduct, and inducing panic. The 17-year-old, believed to be the shooter, faces additional charges of felonious assault and underage possession of a firearm.

The investigation is ongoing, with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) on-site collecting evidence. The police chief emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the importance of determining how a minor obtained the weapon.

Reflecting on the incident, Wingate expressed concern over gun access among youths. "While the right to bear arms is constitutional, we need to ensure guns remain in the hands of responsible owners," he stated, underscoring a sentiment shared by many in the community.

The Walmart, which typically closes at 11 p.m., remained shut following the incident. It is unclear when it will reopen, but updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

Mother and small child murdered

RIVER RIDGE, LA – In a shocking turn of events, a domestic disturbance escalated into a deadly encounter in Jefferson Parish, leaving a mother and her toddler dead, and the alleged perpetrator fatally shot by police. The unsettling incident unfolded early Saturday morning, marking a somber weekend for the community.

Authorities arrived at a residence on Stephen Avenue, responding to a harrowing 911 call. Inside, they discovered the bodies of a woman and her 2-year-old daughter, victims of an apparent shooting. The alleged gunman, the woman’s husband, was killed by deputies who acted as he brandished a firearm.

The violence did not end there. Two more children, a 9-year-old and a 13-year-old, were found wounded. The older child, who had courageously alerted authorities, sustained an ankle injury from a gunshot, while the younger sibling underwent surgery and remains in a precarious condition.

Sheriff Joseph Lopinto of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office expressed the emotional toll of the situation, particularly the chilling 911 call made by the 13-year-old. “It was a devastating call to hear,” Lopinto remarked, emphasizing the quick response by law enforcement.

As the investigation continues, details about any prior domestic issues at the home remain undisclosed. Sheriff Lopinto noted that more information would be forthcoming as detectives delve deeper into the case.

A neighbor, reflecting on the tragic event, mentioned that while he did not know the family intimately, his grandchildren had occasionally played with the children involved. This revelation adds a layer of community connection and sorrow as residents come to terms with the violence in their midst.

The community is left grappling with the aftermath, as they rally to support the surviving children and each other. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence, prompting calls for increased awareness and prevention measures.

As River Ridge processes this tragedy, the focus shifts to healing and ensuring such an event does not repeat, highlighting the importance of vigilance and community support in preventing domestic violence.