In a significant development in Beavercreek, a mass shooting at the local Walmart on Pentagon Blvd left four people injured on Monday night. The gunman subsequently died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Beavercreek police and federal agencies are actively investigating the incident, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
The Incident Unfolds
The event unfolded at around 8:35 p.m. Monday, when a gunman entered the Walmart and opened fire. Beavercreek Police Captain Scott Molnar, in a media briefing, confirmed that four individuals were shot and subsequently transported to area hospitals for treatment. The shooter was found dead at the scene, believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The response to the incident included officers from multiple law enforcement agencies, alongside the Greene County Coroner’s Office.
A Walmart employee reported hearing at least two gunshots but did not witness anyone being hit. They described the initial confusion and subsequent evacuation to the Burger King parking lot. Wright State University students Anna Cowley and Kailie Conley observed a substantial police response, estimating 30 to 40 cruisers arriving at the store. Walmart remains closed until further notice, with a company statement expressing distress over the incident and cooperation with ongoing investigations.
Victim Status
The shooting resulted in four adult victims, including three women and a man. As of Tuesday afternoon, three victims were reported in stable condition, and one remained in critical but stable condition, according to Captain Chad Lindsey. All victims were customers shopping in different areas of the store.
Gunman Identified
The shooter was identified as 20-year-old Benjamin Charles Jones of Dayton. Zrinka Dilber, assistant special agent in charge of the Cincinnati FBI Field Office, revealed that the FBI is collaborating with Beavercreek police to investigate Jones’ background, motives, and any potential associates. Jones had reportedly moved to Dayton about a year prior to the incident. Police are also investigating the legality of the firearm used and any connections between Jones and the victims.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, along with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting in the investigation. Dilber emphasized the preliminary nature of the investigation and encouraged the public to provide any relevant information about Jones or potential motives.
Previous Incidents at Walmart
This Walmart location has been the site of previous incidents. On November 6, it was temporarily closed following a fire set by a 15-year-old boy in the craft section, which was quickly contained and extinguished. The store reopened on November 8, the same day the suspect was arrested, facing charges of aggravated arson, vandalism, and inducing panic.
Notably, this Walmart was also the location of a 2014 incident where John Crawford III, a 22-year-old from Fairfield, was fatally shot by a police officer. Crawford, while holding a pellet gun sold at the store and talking on a cellphone, was mistakenly reported as posing a threat to shoppers, leading to the tragic outcome.
