A typical Monday afternoon took a turn for the worse at a Walmart in Holland, Ohio, when a shooting incident led to an immediate evacuation of the store. The incident occurred just before 4 p.m., when a 17-year-old reportedly discharged a firearm during a dispute involving two other minors and an adult.
Customers who arrived at the Walmart were greeted by locked doors and a significant police presence, as law enforcement quickly responded to the situation. The usually busy parking lot was eerily silent, illuminated only by the flashing lights of police vehicles.
Local resident Brian Wingate had planned a quick shopping trip to prepare for an upcoming Buckeye game but found himself in the midst of the unexpected chaos. “I usually shop for groceries here, and it’s never like this,” he said, recounting the unsettling scene.
A deputy from the Lucas County Sheriff’s office reported that the altercation escalated rapidly, resulting in the teenager firing a weapon. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the incident left both employees and customers shaken. One staff member, visibly upset, described the experience as far from a typical workday.
The police chief of Holland acknowledged the joint response from several law enforcement agencies, including the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and the metro parks police. The SWAT team was also dispatched to secure the area, ensuring no additional threats were present and that everyone was safe.
The adult involved in the dispute was identified as Lawrence Payne III. All three individuals involved have been charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and inducing panic. The 17-year-old, believed to be the shooter, faces additional charges of felonious assault and underage possession of a firearm.
The investigation is still underway, with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) on-site gathering evidence. The police chief stressed the gravity of the situation and the need to determine how the minor obtained the weapon.
Reflecting on the incident, Wingate voiced concerns about youth access to firearms. “While the right to bear arms is constitutional, we need to ensure guns remain in the hands of responsible owners,” he said, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the community.
The Walmart, which usually closes at 11 p.m., remained closed following the incident. It is unclear when it will reopen, but updates are expected as the investigation continues.