3 killed in shooting at Maryland business park: report

Three people were reportedly killed in a shooting on Thursday at Ride Aid distribution center in a business park in Harford County, Md.

The Associated Press cited a law enforcement officer who was not authorized to speak publicly in reporting the death toll.

{mosads}Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler confirmed that there are multiple fatalities and people wounded, but did not initially provide details in a brief statement to reporters.

In a tweet Thursday afternoon, the Harford Sheriff’s Twitter account wrote that seven were injured and and four were dead, including the suspect, following the shooting.

Gahler said at a press conference later Thursday afternoon that the lone suspect, whom he identified as a 26-year-old female temporary worker at the distribution center, died in the hospital following the shooting. Gahler said authorities had not determined a motive.

Gahler had said earlier Thursday that the suspect was in custody and was hospitalized in critical condition, adding that officers did not fire a shot.

He also said that officials believe there is no further threat to the community.

The sheriff’s office had earlier reported that the shooting occurred around 9 a.m. near Spesutia Road and Perryman Road in Aberdeen. Residents were urged to avoid the area, which is approximately 70 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. 

We can confirm there was a shooting in the area of Spesutia Road and Perryman Road. Multiple victims. The situation is still fluid. Please avoid the area. Media staging area still TBD.

— Harford Sheriff (@Harford_Sheriff) September 20, 2018

Deputies were dispatched to the reported shooting at 9:09 a.m.

— Harford Sheriff (@Harford_Sheriff) September 20, 2018

A spokesperson for Rite Aid confirmed the shooting took place at one of the drug store chain’s distribution centers, according to the AP.

The FBI in a tweet said agents from its Baltimore field office responded, and described the incident as an “active shooter situation.” 

FBI Baltimore is responding & assisting @Harford_Sheriff with an Active Shooter situation. For updates please follow @Harford_Sheriff.

— FBI Baltimore (@FBIBaltimore) September 20, 2018

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) also offered state resources in a tweet calling the shooting “horrific.”

We are closely monitoring the horrific shooting in Aberdeen. Our prayers are with all those impacted, including our first responders. The State stands ready to offer any support. https://t.co/fzugpo8C1Z

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) September 20, 2018

– This developing report was last updated at 3:21 p.m.