Deadly Lauderdale Lakes Walmart shooting involved customer trying to stop fight between 2 workers
FORT LAUDERDALE -- The shopper who was fatally shot inside a Lauderdale Lakes Walmart on Tuesday was a Good Samaritan who intervened in a physical fight between the suspected shooter and another employee at the store.
The customer who got involved in the dispute at the store, located at 3001 N. State Road 7, was rushed to Broward Health Medical Center where he later died. Officials have not publicly identified him but said he is in his 30s.
A Walmart employee was also hurt during the incident.
Authorities identified the shooter as Tironie Shavar Sterling, 22, an employee of the store.
Lauderhill resident Cynthia Walker told CBS News Miami's Peter D'Oench that she witnessed Steriling's arrest by a BSO SWAT team at a Lauderhill apartment complex and shared cell phone video that showed the incident.
"I saw tactical teams flying out of the vehicle and I said what is going on," she said. "I feel bad. This never should have happened. People should deal with each other in a peaceful way. I send my condolences to the family."
According to a written statement by the sheriff's office, around 2 p.m. Sterling went to the store, even though he was not working, that day to meet with a female employee.
The two began arguing and the dispute turned physical, according to the statement.
At some point, the suspect dropped a gun and attempted to take the woman's cell phone.
That's when the customer intervened and began physically fighting with Sterling, who retrieved the gun and shot the man several times before leaving the store.
The shooting led to mass panic inside the store.
"I heard somebody (and) I see people running and everything, so I chose to follow them and go outside," said Rose Alexander Satchelle, who works at the store.
Modupe Williams, a shopper, said "We heard some shots. No one thought anything of it and then it kept going. Everyone started running. I left my book bag."
The victim was airlifted to the hospital but was pronounced dead there.
Sterling has been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery by sudden snatching. He was taken to the Broward County jail. During a court hearing on Wednesday, he was denied bond.
Walmart spokesman Charles Crowson told D'Oench that Sterling has been suspended and steps are being taken to fire him.
In a statement, Crowson said, "Senseless violence like this is intolerable and we're heartbroken. The customer who intervened in an apparent attack on one of our associates has died from his injuries. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time and will continue working with our associates providing support as needed."
