LAWRENCE, Ind. — A 25-year-old woman has died after she was shot while working inside a Dollar Tree in Lawrence Monday afternoon.
Police said the shooting happened in the Dollar Tree located at 10555 Pendleton Pike, near East 56th Street and Sunnyside Road, around 1:30 p.m.
Chief of Police Gary Woodruff told 13News that the shooting was not believed to be a random act and said the suspect knew the female employee. The circumstance surrounding the shooting is still under investigation.
Medics took the woman to a hospital in critical condition, but she later died from her injuries.
The Marion County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 25-year-old Jasmine Bennett.
Witnesses at the scene told 13News that they got a frightening call from a family member who was inside the store and heard gunshots.
Woodruff said the suspect, 21-year-old Jalen Thomas, has preliminarily been charged with murder. Thomas is a former employee of the Dollar Tree where the shooting happened.
The Marion County prosecutor will determine formal charges.
A spokesperson with Dollar Tree shared the following statement with 13News:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred at one of our Dollar Tree stores in Indianapolis on Monday. We will continue to cooperate fully with local authorities on their investigation. As always, we are committed to ensuring a safe environment for our associates and customers. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further comment will be offered at this time."
Anyone with additional information on the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.