Shooter Kills One, Injures Five in Targeted Workplace Attack
Authorities are investigating the motive behind a deadly shooting at a cosmetics warehouse in New Albany, Ohio, where a worker killed a colleague and injured five others before fleeing the scene.
The suspect, 28-year-old Bruce Reginald Foster III, was arrested Wednesday morning in a Columbus apartment after an overnight manhunt. Police say he has spoken with investigators but has not been fully cooperative.
Gunman Escapes Scene Before Capture
The shooting took place late Tuesday night at an industrial park warehouse where Foster worked. New Albany Police Chief Greg Jones said officers arrived at the scene shortly after 10 p.m. but missed Foster, who had already left using a ride-share service. About 150 employees were evacuated from the building as officers, drones, and police dogs conducted a search.
“Nobody reported that there was any conflict or that he was in trouble at work,” Jones said.
Suspect Subdued with Stun Gun During Arrest
A team from the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Foster Wednesday morning after he refused to surrender. “Normally what we prefer to do is have people come out and surrender to us,” said Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Dan Deville. “He refused to come out. Our guys did have to make entry.” Foster was unarmed at the time of his arrest, but police recovered a 9mm handgun at the warehouse. Authorities confirmed he legally purchased the weapon in September 2024.
Victims Hospitalized, One Confirmed Dead
All six victims were Foster’s coworkers. One person was killed inside the building, while four others remain hospitalized at Mount Carmel East Hospital. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed. “They’re hospitalized, and we’re certainly hoping for a speedy recovery,” Jones said.
Motive Still Unclear
Police say they have yet to determine a clear motive for the attack but believe it was a targeted workplace shooting. “He chose to commit this act of violence at work,” Jones said. “It was targeted in the respect that it was people that he worked with.” Authorities are reviewing possible interactions between Foster and his victims before the shooting.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Foster faces aggravated murder charges and is scheduled for arraignment Thursday morning. Licking County court records did not list an attorney for him as of Wednesday. The warehouse, which manufactures cosmetics and toiletries, has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
