NEW ALBANY, OH — A tragic and senseless act of violence unfolded late Tuesday night at the KDC/One manufacturing facility, a well-known beauty and personal care products warehouse located in New Albany, Ohio, leaving one person dead and five others hospitalized with injuries. The shooting occurred at approximately 10:55 p.m., sending shockwaves through the small community located about 15 miles northeast of Columbus.

The suspect in this deadly assault has been identified as Bruce Reginald Foster III, a 42-year-old employee of KDC/One. Authorities confirmed that Foster was on site at the time of the shooting and had been present in the warehouse for several hours before the deadly attack. Police are now focusing their efforts on locating Foster, who is believed to have fled the scene immediately after opening fire.

A Night of Terror

The quiet night at KDC/One, which produces a variety of products including shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other personal care items, turned chaotic as gunfire rang out within the facility’s production floor. Employees who had been working late into the evening were stunned by the eruption of violence. Eyewitnesses recalled hearing what they described as multiple rapid gunshots echoing throughout the building.

As panic spread, workers scrambled to evacuate the premises while others sought cover. One worker, identified by police as a 33-year-old male, was fatally shot at the scene. His identity has not yet been released, pending notification of his family. The individual was pronounced dead by paramedics who arrived within minutes.

Five More Victims

Five additional victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, were injured during the shooting and were transported to nearby hospitals. Their conditions, while initially considered critical, have been described as stable by local medical officials. The severity of their injuries, however, remains a topic of concern. The New Albany Police Department (NAPD) has stated that the injuries ranged from gunshot wounds to blunt force trauma as some of the victims attempted to escape the chaos.

The law enforcement community has expressed concern over the possibility of the shooter targeting certain individuals. Although there was no visible confrontation or altercation leading up to the attack, investigators believe the shooting was a deliberate act, potentially connected to a personal dispute or internal conflict at the facility.

The Suspect: Bruce Reginald Foster III

Authorities have issued a statewide manhunt for Foster, who has been described as a former Army veteran with a history of mental health struggles. Police are actively searching for Foster in various locations around New Albany and the surrounding area, assisted by the U.S. Marshals and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Foster’s whereabouts remain unknown as of Wednesday morning, although investigators are pursuing leads that suggest he may have left the area shortly after the attack.

Foster, a longtime employee at KDC/One, had reportedly kept to himself in recent weeks, exhibiting erratic behavior that co-workers described as increasingly unsettling. While no formal complaints had been filed against him, some colleagues noted that Foster had been withdrawn and appeared to be under considerable stress. Authorities are still piecing together his activities leading up to the shooting, and while they do not yet know his motive, they believe the shooting was not random.

“It appears this was a targeted attack,” said Chief Greg Jones of the New Albany Police Department during a press conference on Wednesday. “We are still working to understand the dynamics that led up to this tragic incident. Our primary goal is to locate Mr. Foster and bring him to justice.”

Police and Emergency Response

The New Albany Police Department responded quickly to the emergency call, arriving at the scene within minutes of the shooting. Upon entering the building, officers immediately began securing the area and evacuating the hundreds of workers who were inside the warehouse at the time. The employees, many of whom were visibly shaken, were taken to a nearby staging area for questioning and debriefing.

The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, along with other specialized law enforcement agencies, has also joined the investigation, given the severity of the crime and the ongoing search for the suspect. “This is a difficult and fluid investigation,” said Chief Jones, addressing reporters early Wednesday morning. “We are doing everything we can to bring closure to this tragedy and ensure the safety of the public.”

The Crime Scene and Investigation

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has been working with the NAPD to process the crime scene, which remains cordoned off as law enforcement conducts a thorough search for evidence. A firearm was recovered inside the building, though authorities have not confirmed whether it was the weapon used in the shooting or whether it is connected to Foster.

The investigation is ongoing, and forensic teams are working meticulously to gather any clues that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident. As law enforcement continues to piece together the timeline of events, one question remains: What could have driven Foster to carry out such a violent act in a place that many described as a supportive work environment?

The KDC/One facility remains closed as the investigation continues, and police have advised employees to stay away from the area until further notice. Officials stated that the facility could be shut down for up to 12 hours while the crime scene is processed, and the families of those injured in the shooting are being notified.

Community Reactions

The shooting has sent ripples through the tight-knit community of New Albany. Local residents, many of whom have worked at KDC/One or have family members employed there, expressed shock and disbelief. “It’s just not something you ever expect to happen here,” said local resident Maria Jenkins. “New Albany is a quiet place, and to hear something like this, it’s just unimaginable. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims.”

Local churches, schools, and other community organizations have begun to offer support to those affected by the incident. Grief counseling services have been made available to KDC/One employees and their families, as well as to anyone in the community who may be struggling with the emotional toll of the tragedy.

Ongoing Search for the Suspect

As of Wednesday afternoon, Bruce Reginald Foster III remains at large. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Foster or have information about his whereabouts to come forward. Investigators believe that Foster may have fled the area in a vehicle, and they have asked the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings.

“We are asking for the community’s help in locating Mr. Foster,” said Chief Jones. “Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial in this investigation.”

The search for Foster is expected to intensify over the coming days as law enforcement officials follow up on leads and gather additional evidence. As the investigation unfolds, authorities have reiterated their commitment to solving the case and ensuring that justice is served for the victims.

Conclusion: A Devastating Blow to the Community

The events of Tuesday night have left the New Albany community in shock and mourning. With one life lost and five others fighting for their recovery, the emotional and psychological toll on both the survivors and the community at large is significant. As investigators continue to search for the suspect and piecing together the details of the shooting, the overarching question remains: What motivated this brutal act, and what will it take to prevent such violence from happening again?

This tragedy serves as a chilling reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the potential dangers that can lurk behind closed doors, even in places where people are meant to feel safe and secure. The community of New Albany, and the entire state of Ohio, will be waiting for answers in the coming days.

Authorities have assured the public that they are doing everything in their power to ensure justice is served, and the search for Bruce Reginald Foster III continues.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting or the whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact the New Albany Police Department at 614-855-1234 or to reach out through their anonymous tip line.

Updates will follow as the investigation progresses.