NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — A Cleveland man, 60-year-old Bernard Smith, shot his ex-wife, who worked at Giant Eagle store, before subsequently turning the gun on himself, police said.
The incident took place Sunday morning around 9:00 a.m. at the business located at 27264 Lorain Road.
The victim has been identified as Susan Petterson, a 63-year-old resident of Olmsted Township. Petterson worked at the store.
Police said Smith and Petterson were formerly married but divorced in 2004.
“We don’t believe it was a very amicable divorce, and potentially may have been what lead up to this,” said North Olmsted Police Chief Bob Wagner. “This isn’t a Giant Eagle problem, this isn’t a city of North Olmsted problem, this type of incident could happen anywhere, anytime.”
Authorities said the incident took place while the store was occupied by around 60+ employees and approximately 200 customers.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened that such a senseless act of violence occurred in one of our stores,” Giant Eagle said in a statement to local media. “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.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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