NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — The North Olmsted Police Department is investigating an alleged murder-suicide that happened at Giant Eagle on Sunday morning.
North Olmsted police say that they responded to a call of shots fired at the store at around 9:35 a.m. Upon arriving, officers found two people with gunshot wounds inside the store.
North Olmsted Police Department Chief Bob Wagner says that Bernard Edward Smith, a 60-year-old Cleveland man, allegedly shot his ex-wife, an employee at Giant Eagle, before shooting himself.
The victim has been identified as 63-year-old Susan Petterson, of Olmsted Township. Wagner says that Smith and Petterson were previously married and got divorced in 2004.
"We don't believe it was an amicable divorce and that potentially may have led up to this," said Wagner.
Officials noted that at the time of the shooting, there were approximately 67 employees working and 200 customers inside of the store. The store remained closed on Monday as employees continued to receive counseling services and will reopen at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27.
Authorities also released bodycam footage from the incident's aftermath:
Giant Eagle released the following statement to 3News:
"We are shocked and deeply saddened that such a senseless act of violence occurred in one of our stores. Our top priority remains the safety of our Team Members and our Guests. We are grateful for the quick response of local authorities and are committed to providing all available resources to law enforcement to assist in their ongoing investigation. Our thoughts and hearts are with all of those affected by this terrible tragedy."
North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones also released a statement:
"I am deeply saddened about the events which took place this morning at the North Olmsted Giant Eagle supermarket. First and foremost, my heart goes out to the victim of this tragedy and her family and friends. I know all North Olmsted residents join me in sending their prayers and support to them. We also remember the employees and customers who were in the store at the time of this terrible incident."
Dailey Jones then added more on Monday:
"We are very proud of our safety forces and their incredibly quick response time. They did an amazing job and are true professionals. Our safety forces completed the latest available training for this type of situation in April of this year. We want to thank our neighboring cities for their assistance and for providing mutual aid."
Below are photos from the scene:
Police at North Olmsted Giant Eagle
Want to be among the first to know the most important local and national news? Download the free WKYC app and get updates right on your phone: Android, Apple.
