Idaho In-N-Out gunman died by gunshot wound after killing 3, wounding 7, Twin Falls police say
Three people were killed, and seven others were wounded after a gunman opened fire at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday before turning the gun on himself, local authorities said.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said Sunday the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, identifying him as 24-year-old Chad Williams. Hicks said police are working to determine Williams' motivations that led to the shooting and that his family is cooperating with law enforcement.
"Their hearts are also broken," he added.
Investigators said they are confident the suspect acted alone.
The situation unfolded before 2:30 p.m. local time. Social media video obtained by CBS News shows people fleeing a shopping center parking lot as multiple gunshots are heard. In the video, a person carrying what appeared to be a firearm could be seen outside the restaurant opening the doors to a parked sedan.
"First responders faced what was described as one of the most chaotic instances a law enforcement officer can face in their career," Hicks told reporters on Sunday.
The police chief said an off-duty police officer and a civilian engaged Williams and returned gunfire.
"We believe their actions drove the suspect from the scene, preventing further casualties," Hicks added.
Two of the people injured were treated and released at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center, according to the police chief. Two people remain in critical condition, and three others are considered to be in stable condition. Hicks warned that these numbers are "preliminary" and may be updated.
In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder said in a statement that a female employee was among the dead. Snyder did not identify the employee, but said she was "taking care of our most important asset — our Customers" at the time of the shooting.
Twin Falls resident Haley Dodaro, 43, and her mother were at In-N-Out for lunch Saturday afternoon. She told the AP that while waiting in the drive-thru line, they saw people running across the road and workers bolting out of the restaurant. At first, Dodaro thought there might have been a fire, but then a man directing traffic in a reflective vest said there was a shooter.
"So that's when we knew there was a shooting. People were running out crying and screaming. It was very scary," Dodaro said in a text message to the AP. An FBI spokesperson told CBS News that its agents were on scene and assisting with the investigation.
Snyder said her heart "goes out" to those affected by the shooting, including witnesses to the "traumatic event."
"We will stand together, and we will do everything we can to learn from this situation," Snyder wrote.
Twin Falls is located in southern Idaho, about 120 miles southeast of Boise.
