PORT ORANGE, FL – A tragic scene unfolded in Port Orange Wednesday evening when a man entered a Walgreens, opened fire on two employees, and ultimately took his own life, according to local authorities. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. at the store located on Taylor Road and Williamson Boulevard.
Upon receiving reports of gunfire, Port Orange police swiftly arrived at the site, discovering the suspected gunman deceased in the parking lot, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The two employees who were shot were transported to a nearby hospital, though their current conditions remain unknown.
A customer inside the store during the shooting managed to escape unharmed, a relief in what could have been a far more devastating situation. The police presence in the area was substantial, with officers able to respond quickly due to their proximity, a factor credited with preventing further harm.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one shopper recalling the moment shots rang out as she exited the store. She noted hearing someone inquire about the manager before gunfire erupted. Outside the store, a body lay covered with a blanket as officers continued their investigation.
Authorities have yet to disclose a motive for the shooting, leaving residents and workers in the area grappling with unanswered questions about why this violence occurred. The neighborhood, typically quiet and safe, was shaken by the incident, with many expressing disbelief that such an event could transpire in their community.
During the investigation, officers recovered a semiautomatic pistol from the bushes outside the Walgreens, securing it as evidence. The store remains closed as the investigation continues, with no clear timeline for when it might reopen.
Residents living in close proximity to the store expressed their fear and unease, finding it difficult to process the violence that unfolded so close to home. As detectives work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, the community remains on edge, seeking clarity and reassurance.
The police department has promised to provide updates as more information becomes available, hoping to address the lingering concerns of those affected by this tragic event.