Crime
Victims killed in New Albany warehouse shooting identified
The alleged shooter, 28-year-old Bruce Reginald Foster III, appeared in court Thursday afternoon and is currently being held on a $20 million bond.
NEW ALBANY, OH – Authorities have identified both victims who were fatally shot in Tuesday night’s mass shooting at a KDC/One warehouse in New Albany.
The Licking County Coroner’s Office confirmed Thursday that 38-year-old Kyle Vaver, of Pickerington, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second victim, 30-year-old Shakhar Chapagai, was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 8:33 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
In an update Thursday, officials reported that one individual remains hospitalized following the incident.
The alleged shooter, 28-year-old Bruce Reginald Foster III, appeared in court Thursday afternoon and is currently being held on a $20 million bond.
According to court records filed in Licking County Court of Common Pleas, Foster has been charged with aggravated murder, with additional charges likely as the investigation progresses.
His next court appearance is scheduled for February 13.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the KDC/One warehouse on Smiths Mill Road North.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered six employees who had been shot, including Vaver, who was deceased.
During a Wednesday afternoon press briefing, New Albany Police Chief Greg Jones stated that officers arrived within four minutes of receiving the emergency call.
However, Foster had already fled the scene using a rideshare service, which authorities do not believe was involved in the crime.
While police have described the attack as targeted, they have not yet determined a definitive motive.
Witnesses told investigators that Foster had been working for several hours before the shooting and that there had been no prior altercation or dispute leading up to the violence.
Foster was ultimately taken into custody at an apartment complex on East 7th Avenue, near the Short North Arts District in Columbus.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the New Albany Police Department or Licking County authorities.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.