Two killed in shooting at Wendy's near West Palm Beach

Monday, March 03, 2008

Update 4:22 p.m.: The man killed by a gunman at Wendy's was identified as a 42-year-old firefighter lieutenant on lunch break with his wife and child, said Deputy Chief of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Steve Delai.

Delai said the victim apparently returned to the restaurant because a toy was missing from a meal and was shot at point blank. He was dressed in civilian clothes

The Fire-Rescue lieutenant, with Battalion 2, was promoted in January and was attending a required training nearby, from which he was on break. He was hired by the department in 2001.

The firefighters wife is a corporal for Palm Springs police. Another firefighter who was on break witnessed the shooting and is receiving counseling.

Paul Miller, Palm Beach County Sheriff's spokesman said the gunman came in through the south door shortly before 12:15, went to the bathroom and then came toward the center of the counter and "fired one shot directly at the lieutenant." He had two clips; there was one magazine on the floor and one in the weapon.

Among the other victims: A 43-year- old male was taking to St. Mary's Medical center and is in serious but stable condition. Two victims are at Good Samaritan Medical Center: A 16-year-old female who was shot in the arm and her mother, who may not have been shot.

A 65-year-old male and 62-year-old female were taken to Delray Medical Center.

"We don't know the motive behind this," Miller said.

He said the gunman was a black man in his 50s. He was wearing a tan sportscoat, black trowsers, a gold and blue tie and gray and blue tennis shoes.

Miller said he had shot himself in "the head area" with one shot.

"We have some indication of who he may be," Miller said of the gunman, based upon the discovery of a driver license. Witnesses said the man made no statements, but the his hand was shaking at the time of the shooting.

After the gunman shot himself in the head, Miller said a "hero kicked the gun away" and then started first aid. No employees of Wendy's were injured.

"Another random shooting like we've seen around the United States," Miller said.

According to one of the employees at the restaurant, the shooter was a former Wendy's employee.

A witness saw the shooter enter the restaurant bathroom. As soon as he came out he pulled out what looked like a 9mm handgun. He shot the deceased victim at near point-blank range then turned to the left and started shooting more rounds.

Witness Jerry Pritcherd, 20, of Fort Myers, said he heard a pop and didn't realize it was gunshots. He said he was "scared" when he heard about 20 pops and ran out. He said he was 10 feet away from the shooter, who he said was a tall black man wearing a business suit.

Although one witness described the shooter as a former employee, the sheriff's office and Wendy's officials said they had no information that he worked there.

According to a witness, all of the victims are customers. After firing off many rounds, the gunman then shot himself and died in the middle of the restaurant. Three victims were flown to area hospitals.

The gunman didn't demand money or say anything, according to a witness. None of the victims were children; two are described as elderly.

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