The shooting happened about 8 a.m. Saturday at Walmart.
Breaking @WFTV at 6 we learned the 19-year-old diaper theft suspect @OrangeCoSheriff deputies say was shot several times by a customer died. pic.twitter.com/8nAZ56Jy7K
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) February 4, 2017
Deputies said that four men were walking out of the store with diapers and began loading them into an SUV when they were approached by a Walmart loss prevention employee.
It's the second shooting in a Pine Hills Walmart parking lot in under a month. We talk with concerned customers on @WFTV at noon. pic.twitter.com/PN0QKXchQ6
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) February 4, 2017
Capt. Angelo Nieves, of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, said an incident started near the vehicle and a witness in the parking lot stepped in to help the employee.
“They were fleeing from the store when they were confronted by store personnel,” Nieves said. “Some type of commotion occurred at the vehicle as it was being loaded with the stolen merchandise.”
The witness told deputies it appeared that one of the suspects went to grab something, and the witness, who has not been identified, felt threatened.
The witness was armed and opened fire, hitting one of the suspects multiple times, deputies said. He later died.
“The individual felt threatened. One of the suspects reached for something, (the witness) thought it was a weapon or a firearm,” Nieves said.
Deputies said the customer believed the suspects were armed and was assisting a Walmart employee who confronted the suspects.
— Julie Salomone (@JSalomoneTV) February 4, 2017
Nieves said the four suspects got into the maroon Nissan Rogue and fled the scene. The Nissan was reported stolen during a carjacking on Jan. 13, deputies said.
Deputies said the driver hit two vehicles in the parking lot, causing one of the cars to spin.
The suspect who was shot by the witness got out of the car at some point and went to a Citgo gas station.
The three other suspects are still being sought.
Deputies said the investigation is ongoing and the witness who opened fire is cooperating with the investigation.
Deputies have not said if the witness will face any charges.
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