Crime
Watch: Moments shots fired inside Lumberton Walmart, victim identified as 42-year-old Brandy Olson
Authorities believe the incident was isolated and confirmed that no additional injuries were reported.
Lumberton, NC – Shocking video footage has captured the moments when shots rang out inside the Lumberton Walmart on Fayetteville Road, leaving shoppers scrambling for safety amid a chaotic scene.
In the footage, a man can be heard yelling, “Get on the floor!” as panicked customers ran for the exits.
Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of a 42-year-old woman, identified as Brandy Olson, who was killed in the shooting on Friday evening.
According to the Lumberton Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Walmart at approximately 3:45 p.m. following a report of shots fired.
When officers and other responding agencies arrived, they found Olson suffering from a gunshot wound inside the Woodforest Bank located within the store.
Olson, described as an innocent bystander, was given immediate aid by bystanders attempting life-saving measures before being transported to UNC Health Southeastern.
Despite efforts to save her, Olson succumbed to her injuries.
Police confirmed that the shooter fled the store and left the area before law enforcement could apprehend them.
Authorities believe the incident was isolated and confirmed that no additional injuries were reported.
City Councilman John Cantey Jr. released a statement following the incident:
“I would just like to reiterate to our citizens here in Lumberton. A lot of the citizens are calling. With inquiries into the tragic shooting at our Walmart. Just want to let our citizens know that it was an isolated incident. Where an innocent bystander was shot. I don’t want to preempt our law enforcement. Because they are working very hard and diligently to apprehend those suspects. I know our citizens are afraid. They are fearful of this holiday season. And it is a tragedy. And our prayers, on behalf of my precinct, and the city goes out to the lady’s family that unfortunately. And I will go on record and I will see it. Unfortunately has lost her life today because of the tragic event. Enough is enough. Gun violence is getting out of control. Us as elected officials, on a local level. The county, state, and federal level is going to have to somehow come up with some type of understanding. Mutual ground. We don’t want to infringe upon anybody’s individual rights on the second amendment. But, these guns out on the street that are on warranted. Or stolen, or obtained illegally. They are really harming our community. And, our citizens and we’re just going to have to pray. Pray just a little bit harder.”
Law enforcement is continuing their investigation and is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Sgt. Blake Harrell of the Lumberton Police Department can be reached at 910-671-3845.
The Lumberton community is left shaken by this tragedy as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.