A domestic disturbance between two men escalated into a shooting inside a Kroger store in Cypress, Texas, on Wednesday, leaving one victim in serious condition and the suspected gunman hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the neck.
The male victim suffered injuries serious enough to be life-flighted from the scene, while the suspected shooter sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and was transported to a nearby hospital.
Witnesses told local television station KHOU they were not exactly sure what was happening when the incident began inside the store.
Patrick Young said he was shopping in the frozen section near the middle of the store when the ordeal first started.
"I was putting some food in the cart, and I heard a scream that sounded a little weird. First thought was it was just kids messing around in the store," Young said.
Young said he quickly determined the situation was far more serious.
"I just turned around and ran in the opposite direction of the gunfire and out through the front door along with multiple other people. There were old ladies trying to scramble. There were terrified kids," he said.
He added that the police response was nearly immediate after he alerted bystanders outside and called 911.
"The cops were here, like, within one minute, and I'm really proud of them. All of them were just jumping out of the car and running straight into there. There was no hesitation," he added.
Family violence investigators with Herman's office are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and appropriate charges will be filed upon completion of the investigation.
Kroger released a statement expressing condolences and confirming cooperation with law enforcement.
"We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at our Fairfield Marketplace Kroger store," the company said in a statement to media outlets. "We are cooperating with local law enforcement, who have secured the store and parking lot. The store will remain closed while the police investigation continues, and we have initiated counseling services for our associates."
A spokesperson for the grocer did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NTD News.
Kroger added that it was directing all questions to law enforcement to protect the integrity of the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Harris County Constable Precinct 4 officials.