Armed suspect shot by police at Blackwood CVS; witnesses describe frightening scene
Armed suspect shot by police at New Jersey CVS
An armed suspect was shot by police outside the CVS on College Drive in Gloucester Township. Camden County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating.
BLACKWOOD, N.J. - An armed suspect was shot by Gloucester Township police during an incident at a CVS pharmacy Friday afternoon, sending a large police response to the scene and frightening employees and customers inside the store.
What we know:
The shooting happened on the 700 block of College Drive in Gloucester Township, according to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.
Two Gloucester Township police officers were involved in the shooting. Authorities say the suspect was struck by gunfire and transported to Cooper University Hospital for treatment. No officers were injured.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating what it describes as a non-fatal police-involved shooting. Officials have not released details about what led up to the gunfire, saying the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Pregnant CVS employee was inside during shooting
What they're saying:
FOX29 spoke with Mason White, who says his wife, Desiree Boyce, works as a pharmacy technician at the CVS and was inside the store when the shooting happened.
White says Boyce, who is 14 weeks pregnant, called him around 4:16 p.m. in a panic.
"She told me there was someone in there with a gun and she was flustered," White told FOX29.
White says his wife told him someone inside the pharmacy was fighting with people and trying to get prescription medication.
"I just flew up here because I was so nervous and worried about her and our safety and obviously your coworkers too. It was insane," White recalled.
White says his wife witnessed the suspect pull out a gun before police opened fire.
"She was behind one of the cops when they shot, so that’s why I was very concerned if she was OK, but she’s OK," he said.
White said he was grateful his wife was safe, especially given her pregnancy.
Customer describes hearing gunshot inside CVS
Maria Melendez, a customer who was inside the CVS waiting in line at the pharmacy, also described the frightening moments to FOX29.
Melendez was emotional, telling FOX29 what she witnessed when the person demanded medication from behind the pharmacy counter.
"He kept repeating he was in pain and needs medication. He wasn’t going to hurt anyone, he just needs medication," Melendez recalled.
She says police then rushed into the store.
"The police ran in and then heard a gun go off. That’s when I ran out of the store, got in my car and drove home and just collapsed in my husband’s arms," she said.
The accounts provided by White and Melendez have not been independently confirmed by investigators.
CVS pharmacy closed until further notice
What's next:
CVS told FOX29 the store will remain closed until further notice. Customers who need prescriptions filled are being directed to another nearby pharmacy.
Authorities have not released the identity or condition of the suspect beyond confirming the person was transported to Cooper University Hospital for treatment.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office says it will provide additional information when appropriate to release details about the ongoing investigation.
The Source: This article contains information from the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, CVS, and interviews conducted by FOX 29's Jeff Skversky.