ELKHART, Ind. (WSBT) — It is a quiet afternoon outside the Martin’s Super Market on East Jackson Boulevard as investigators work inside the store after a deadly shooting less than 24-hours ago.
Two people are dead after a shooting Monday evening inside the Martin’s Super Market in downtown Elkhart.
The suspect was also killed in a shootout with police just outside the store.
Two officers were hit in that exchange of gunfire.
Investigative units with the Elkhart County Homicide Unit were at the store early Tuesday morning as they work to uncover what happened.
Shots were fired at the downtown Elkhart Martin’s just after 5:30 p.m. Monday.
Two victims inside the store were shot and killed on scene.
Their identities have not been released at this time.
Officers engaged with the suspect outside the store, during which police exchanged gunfire with the suspect.
The suspected shooter was shot and killed outside. Their identity has also not been released at this time.
Two officers were also injured during the exchange. Both were taken to the hospital for their injuries.
At this time, one officer has been released and the other remains in the hospital in fair but stable condition.
One witness from a neighboring apartment, Jasmine Diver, reflected on the tragic situation.
“Traumatizing and devastating, and it affects people different. And I’m just kind of here to tell what happened and what I saw , what I heard, and unfortunately some people are affected a little bit differently. We just kind of stay safe out here, it’s supposed to be a safe place to live, and this is right outside my door, right outside where I live. My first thought was “Where’s it coming from? Do they need help? I need to call 911,” and then when I looked down and I saw the body, it took me back,” said Diver.
It is still unknown if the people killed in the store were shoppers or employees.
It is also still unknown where inside the store the shooting took place.
A spokesperson with Martin’s Supermarket sent a statement to WSBT 22 News Tuesday morning saying:
Our team feel immeasurable sadness as we mourn yesterday’s tragedy and the unimaginable loss of lives. We are working to best support the impacted families, our associates, the first responders, and the entire Elkhart community. We are thankful for the quick action of our associates and police officers, and we’ll continue to work alongside police to support their investigation.
No motive has been determined at this time as well, as the investigation is ongoing.
The Martin’s Supermarket on East Jackson Boulevard remains closed Tuesday.
Customers who were at the store at the time of the shooting are now able to pick their vehicles up from the parking lot.
Community Reactions
Community leaders continue to show their support for the grieving community on Tuesday.
Congressman Rudy Yakym (R) released a statement Tuesday saying:
Our hearts are with the victims and their families after last night’s devastating incident in Elkhart. Our team remains in contact with local and state authorities and will continue to offer our full support as the investigation unfolds. I am so grateful for the brave officers who ran into harm’s way in order to protect the innocent shoppers and am praying for their continued recovery. We are forever indebted to our public safety officials for their strength in times of tragedy. Elkhart, Indiana has always been a resilient city and together, we will work to move forward and build a stronger and safer community.
How You Can Help
The Community Foundation of Elkhart County announced Tuesday their Community Crisis Fund will help the families impacted by the shooting during this difficult time.
All proceeds from the fund will go toward the grieving families.