PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Clarification: The Portsmouth Police Department originally stated the suspect was one of the people hit by gunfire, but court documents and police later clarified that the suspect was hit in the head, while two others were shot. This story has been updated to reflect the changes.
A man has been arrested after a shooting at a Portsmouth Food Lion store left a cashier and security officer injured Tuesday night.
The shooting happened at the store on London Boulevard at around 8:30 p.m. Inside, responding officers said they found two men who had been shot.
One of the men received medical treatment at the scene and is expected to survive. The other man, who hasn't been publicly identified, is also expected to recover from his injuries. In court documents obtained by 13News Now on Thursday, the victims were identified as a cashier and a security officer.
The suspect, later identified as Tyler Mercer, was also injured after the security officer struck him in the head with a "blunt object," police said.
Many of the shoppers at Olde Towne Market Place told 13News Now Wednesday they didn't know about the incident.
"I was shocked. I might not have come today," a Portsmouth resident who wanted to remain anonymous said.
Food Lion welcomed customers back on Wednesday after it closed for a couple of hours following the shooting the night prior.
"Nobody wants to be around that," said Phillip Wiggins, another Portsmouth resident.
Criminal acts like those at Food Lion only urge people 13News Now spoke with to continue staying aware of their surroundings. "You've just got to be in this day and time," Wiggins added.
"I don't let my wife shop anymore. I do the shopping myself," said Portsmouth resident Joseph Caplan.
A Food Lion spokesperson also issued the following statement regarding the incident.
"While this store location already has security in place, we are collaborating with local law enforcement to implement additional security measures. We are also providing support through our employee assistance program to ensure the well-being of our associates.
As this is an ongoing investigation, we direct any further questions to local law enforcement."
Mercer faces two charges of unlawful wounding and one for assault and battery. He's out on a $2,000 secured bond and has a court hearing set for later this month.