NEW ALBANY, OH – Authorities have confirmed the identities of the two victims killed in a horrific mass shooting at the KDC/One warehouse in New Albany on Tuesday night. The Licking County Coroner’s Office officially identified 38-year-old Kyle Vaver of Pickerington, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and 30-year-old Shakhar Chapagai, who was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 8:33 p.m. Wednesday, as confirmed by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
The tragic shooting also left one other individual hospitalized in critical condition, according to an update from local authorities Thursday morning.
The alleged gunman, 28-year-old Bruce Reginald Foster III, was taken into custody late Wednesday and appeared before the Licking County Court of Common Pleas on Thursday afternoon, where he was ordered to be held on a staggering $20 million bond. Foster faces charges of aggravated murder, with additional charges expected as the investigation into the mass shooting intensifies.
Terrifying Night at KDC/One Warehouse: Chaos Unfolds
At approximately 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, New Albany police officers responded to frantic 911 calls reporting an active shooter inside the massive KDC/One warehouse on Smiths Mill Road North. Upon arrival, first responders encountered a chaotic and terrifying scene—six employees had been shot, including Vaver, who was already deceased.
During a Wednesday afternoon press briefing, New Albany Police Chief Greg Jones revealed that officers arrived on-site within four minutes of the initial emergency call. However, Foster had already fled the facility, reportedly using a rideshare service—a method authorities do not believe was premeditated or involved in the attack.
A Targeted Shooting with No Clear Motive
Law enforcement officials have described the shooting as targeted, but investigators have yet to determine an exact motive behind Foster’s actions.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, Foster had been working his scheduled shift without any prior altercations or visible signs of distress before he suddenly opened fire on his co-workers.
“He just snapped,” said warehouse employee James Calloway, who was present during the attack. “One moment, everything was normal, and then suddenly, shots were flying. People were screaming and running for cover. It was pure chaos.”
Another witness, Maria Sanchez, who narrowly escaped the attack, described the horrifying scene. “I saw Kyle (Vaver) hit the ground, and Shakhar (Chapagai) was trying to get up before he collapsed. It all happened so fast.”
The Hunt for the Suspect: Arrest in Columbus
Following the attack, police launched an immediate manhunt for Foster, who had fled the warehouse before officers arrived.
After an extensive overnight search, law enforcement tracked Foster to an apartment complex on East 7th Avenue, near Columbus’ Short North Arts District, where he was apprehended without incident.
The Columbus Police SWAT team, along with U.S. Marshals, executed the arrest at approximately 8:00 a.m. Wednesday. Foster reportedly did not resist arrest and refused to answer questions upon being taken into custody.
Foster’s Background and Possible Motive Under Investigation
Authorities are now combing through Foster’s employment history, social media accounts, and personal connections in search of any possible clues that could explain his violent outburst.
Early reports suggest Foster had no known prior criminal history or documented mental health issues. However, co-workers have come forward stating that Foster had been acting “distant and withdrawn” in the days leading up to the shooting.
“We all noticed he wasn’t himself,” said Mark Wilson, another KDC/One employee. “He kept to himself, didn’t talk much, but we never thought it would come to this.”
Community in Shock and Mourning
The violent tragedy has shaken the New Albany community, a city known for its thriving business parks and family-friendly atmosphere. Residents have expressed their grief and frustration over another mass shooting in America’s workplaces.
A candlelight vigil for the victims will be held on Friday evening at the New Albany Community Center, where friends, family, and local officials will gather to honor Vaver and Chapagai’s memory.
“Kyle and Shakhar were hardworking individuals with families who loved them,” said Mayor Sloan Spalding. “Their loss is a devastating blow to all of us.”
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Foster made his first court appearance on Thursday afternoon, where the judge ordered him held without bail, citing the severity of the charges and potential risk to the community. His next hearing is scheduled for February 13, where prosecutors are expected to formally present additional charges.
Licking County District Attorney Sarah Kendrick has already indicated that her office will pursue the highest possible penalties, including multiple counts of first-degree murder.
“This was a cold, calculated act of violence,” Kendrick stated. “We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their grieving families.”
Authorities Urge Public to Come Forward
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the New Albany Police Department or Licking County authorities.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS.
Final Thoughts: A Community Demands Answers
As New Albany reels from this devastating tragedy, residents are left grappling with the harsh reality of gun violence in workplaces across America.
For Kyle Vaver and Shakhar Chapagai, their families now face a future without them, while the survivors of the attack struggle to heal from the trauma.
“I just don’t understand why,” said Shakhar’s cousin, Bipin Chapagai. “We need answers. We need justice.”
As the legal proceedings move forward, the nation watches closely, waiting to understand why this senseless act of violence happened—and how it can be prevented from happening again.
Leave a Reply