NEW ALBANY, OHIO — A tragic mass shooting at the KDC/One warehouse in New Albany, Ohio, claimed the lives of two employees and left four others injured late Tuesday night. Authorities have identified one of the deceased as 30-year-old Shakhar Chapagai, who was pronounced dead at a Columbus hospital at 10:33 p.m. on Wednesday. The identity of the second fatal victim has not yet been released.

The shooting erupted inside the KDC/One facility, a manufacturing plant specializing in beauty and personal care products, located in an industrial zone within Licking County. The alleged shooter, identified as 28-year-old Bruce Reginald Foster III, was an employee at the facility. Authorities say Foster had been working for several hours before suddenly opening fire on his colleagues.

Witnesses reported chaos as gunfire rang out in the facility, which housed over 150 employees at the time of the attack. Many workers, unaware of the gunfire due to the warehouse’s noisy environment, did not immediately recognize what was happening until they saw victims collapsing.

The Attack

Authorities received the first 911 calls at approximately 10:50 p.m., with multiple callers reporting an active shooter. According to witness statements, Foster was seen calmly working throughout the evening before pulling a firearm and indiscriminately firing at co-workers.

One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, described the horror of the attack.

“I was just finishing my shift when I heard the pops. At first, I thought something had fallen off a shelf, but then I saw people running and screaming. That’s when I knew something was very wrong.”

First responders arrived on the scene within minutes to find a chaotic and devastating scene. Chapagai had already been transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Another victim was found dead at the scene. Four others were rushed to area hospitals in critical condition.

Manhunt and Capture

Following the shooting, Foster fled the facility using a rideshare service. Law enforcement agencies, including the New Albany Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI, immediately launched a manhunt to locate the suspect.

Authorities tracked Foster’s movements to the Weinland Park neighborhood in Columbus, located just south of The Ohio State University campus. After a 12-hour search, he was apprehended without incident on Wednesday morning.

During a press conference, New Albany Police Chief Ben Lacy confirmed the arrest.

“This was a senseless act of violence that has left families shattered. Our officers, along with federal and local partners, worked tirelessly to bring this suspect into custody as quickly as possible.”

Motive and Investigation

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Investigators are looking into Foster’s employment history and any possible disputes he may have had with colleagues. So far, authorities have found no immediate signs of conflict leading up to the shooting.

KDC/One released a statement following the tragedy:

“We are devastated by the senseless violence that occurred at our facility. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all of our employees who have been impacted. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will provide support to our team members during this difficult time.”

Legal Proceedings

Foster has been charged with one count of aggravated murder, with additional charges expected. He is scheduled to appear in Licking County Common Pleas Court at 1 p.m. on Thursday. Prosecutors have indicated that they may pursue the death penalty given the severity of the case.

Community Response and Vigils

The tragedy has left the New Albany community in shock. A candlelight vigil is planned outside the KDC/One facility, where colleagues, friends, and family members will gather to remember the victims.

Shakhar Chapagai, a native of Nepal who had moved to Ohio for work opportunities, is being mourned by his community. “He was kind, hardworking, and always had a smile on his face,” said a close friend. “He didn’t deserve this. No one did.”

Authorities continue to investigate, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the New Albany Police Department.

Conclusion

This tragic workplace shooting has left a lasting impact on the New Albany community. With two lives lost and several others injured, the case serves as a grim reminder of the devastating effects of workplace violence. As law enforcement works to uncover the motive, the families of the victims are left searching for answers and healing from an unimaginable loss