Posted on 03/03/2008 12:51:37 PM PST by radar101
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Witnesses said a man in a business suit opened fire Monday in a Wendy's restaurant in West Palm Beach, killing one person and injuring at least four others before killing himself, WPBF News 25 reported.
The shooter, who is described by witnesses as a tall man wearing a baseball cap and a business suit, reportedly walked out of the bathroom of the Wendy's at Cherry Road and Military Trail around 12:18 p.m. Monday and shot a middle-aged white man standing by the railing near the front counter, killing him, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office spokesman Paul Miller said.
"He [the shooter] just came out of the bathroom, went behind the railing, and he had one victim unfortunately facing him, and he fired almost point-blank at that individual who is deceased in the restaurant," Miller said.
Miller told WPBF that the shooter then proceeded to "move from left to right," firing what is believed to be a 9-mm pistol at several other patrons inside the restaurant and hitting at least four others.
Miller said that the four injured victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Miller told WPBF that three of the survivors were in critical condition and two others had minor injuries, including one person who was not shot but was injured running away.
Witnesses told WPBF that all of the victims in the incident were customers. A statement from the Wendy's corporate office confirmed that no employees were hurt in the shooting.
Miller said that investigators are searching for other witnesses who were inside the restaurant at the time of the shooting who ran away. Miller told WPBF that several people fled the scene, some leaving their cars still running in the parking lot and drive-through.
Several lanes of Military Trail at Belvedere Road were closed while police investigated the scene.
A statement from the Wendy's corporate office detailed the company's condolences.
"This is a terrible and sad day for our restaurant and this community… because this is a senseless tragedy. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families," the statement read.
A Wendy's spokesperson said that the restaurant is cooperating with the investigation and that the store's security cameras have been turned over to investigators.
Contract killing?
The earlier thread said an off duty female police officer was in the Wendy’s at the time.
Ban suits.
Get real.......
And baseball caps! Don't forget that!
No, it was Mr. Smith from the Matrix.
What’s the significance of “white man.”? The others?
That is cool...
“Witnesses said a man in a business suit opened fire...”
That’s it! No more suits!
Business casual is mandatory!
I am sitting here and wondering what would have happened had I been in that Wendy’s today with my trusty
licensed to carry 357/38 concealed carry under my suit coat — Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm just wondering.
If business suits are outlawed, only outlaws will have business suits.
It probably wouldn't have prevented the folks from getting shot, and you may not have had a clear shot in any case.
Just curious, why do you carry?
My permit was issued for “personal protection”.
Funny, this news story describes the shooter as "tall," a "man," and wearing "a baseball cap" and a "suit." But there seems to be some part of a normal description missing. Hmmm. . . .
Well, at least they identify the victim as "a middle-aged white man." Wonder why they have nothing on age or race on the shooter?
Wait! I just came across more information on the shooter from one of the witnesses: "the shooter, who he said was a tall black man wearing a business suit. . . ." Now why couldn't they include that in this news story?
Excellent point — but something we will never know.
Of course, he would have had the first draw.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.