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Security guard injured in Henrico Food Lion shooting

Posted at 7:21 PM, Jul 14, 2014
and last updated 2014-07-15 14:09:39-04

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — A shooting at Food Lion in east Henrico is under investigation.

Lt. Lawson with Henrico Police said police responded at 6:12 p.m. to an emergency call for a shooting.

Upon arrival they found one victim, who was transported to VCU Medical Center.

A family loading groceries heard a shot that they believe was fired near the entrance of the store. The family, with their six-year-old child, said they were shocked and had just walked past that area.

They saw a man run from the front of the Food Lion, and disappear behind Big Lots. Henrico Police released a picture of the two men wanted in connection with the shooting.

A 45-year-old male, working as a security guard at the grocery store, was shot. Police said he suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his neck and was transported to VCU Medical Center.

The victim was approached by two suspects. The suspects were last seen running on foot in the direction of Oak Hill Lane, just west of the shopping center.

Henrico Police identified two individuals seen in photos police released hours after the shooting.

“Henrico Police verified that the two individuals pictured in the released photos were at the scene,  but they were not involved in the shooting,” Henrico Police spokeswoman Lt. Linda Toney said. “Thanks to the community for their assistance in the case.”

At this time, it’s unknown whether robbery was the motive. Families who shop at this Mechanicsville Turnpike shopping center are rattled and said violence like this doesn’t happen here.

“I’ve never heard of somebody walking up to somebody and shooting them in the back of the head in the grocery store. It’s terrible, people bring their kids here- you wouldn’t expect that in a store.”

Anyone with information regarding this offense is asked to contact Henrico Police at (804) 501-5000 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.  Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.