Cincinnati, Ohio – A suspect and a bystander were injured in a shooting at the Northgate Kroger in Colerain Township on Wednesday afternoon, according to police reports. The incident, which occurred around 4 p.m., prompted a swift police response at the Kroger located on Springdale Road near Colerain Avenue after reports of shots fired at the store.
Colerain Township police chief Ed Cordie provided an update later in the evening, indicating that officers approached a suspect outside the store who then pointed a gun at them. The suspect then retreated into the Kroger and engaged in gunfire with the police. Both the suspect and an innocent bystander were struck by gunfire, with their conditions reported to be non-life-threatening.
At an earlier point in the day, a spokesperson from the Colerain Township Police Department stated that two suspects had been shot. However, Cordie clarified during the evening briefing that only one suspect was involved in the shooting. The identity of the suspect has not been disclosed by law enforcement, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Following the protocol for officer-involved shootings, the officers who responded to the incident have been placed on administrative leave. Authorities from multiple agencies are collaborating on the investigation, which initially prompted concerns of an “active shooter” situation according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
As the community processes the aftermath of the shooting, witnesses described the chaotic scene inside the grocery store, with shoppers and employees seeking shelter and safety amidst the gunfire. Some individuals shared harrowing accounts of narrowly escaping harm, underscoring the impact of such incidents on those involved.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public safety and responding to crises within the community. With further developments expected in the coming days, authorities continue to work diligently to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the shooting at the Colerain Township Kroger.