Fatal workplace shooting in Chester, Pennsylvania – NBC10 Philadelphia

At least two workers were killed and three others injured in a workplace shooting at a family-owned textile company in Chester, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, Delaware County authorities said.

‘Angry’ employee opens fire at a Delaware County business

“This is a story that plays out too often in the United States of America,” Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said at a morning press conference, calling the shooting “an absolute tragedy.” “An angry employee walked into a laundry store – the laundry store in Delaware County is behind us – and shot five people and five co-workers.”

Officers were dispatched to the Delaware County Linen on West 4th Street — near Hayes Street — around 8:30 a.m., Delaware County dispatchers said. According to its website, the family-owned business is a linen rental and laundry service company that has been in business since 1988. It primarily serves restaurants, country clubs, hotels and other businesses in Pennsylvania and some neighboring states.

Stollsteimer said at least five people were shot and two died after showing up for work. The shooting occurred inside and outside the store and a handgun was used, investigators said.

“This is a sad situation,” said Chester Police Chief Steven Gretsky.

At least two workers were killed and three others injured in a workplace shooting at a family-owned textile company in Chester, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, Delaware County authorities said.

Chester officers took one of the shooting victims to the hospital.

Stollsteimer asked to pray for the three injured people in the hospital.

An employee who was at the company at the time of the shooting told NBC10’s Rosemary Connors that the shooting was a surprise. Many people join the company early.

Stollsteimer said that while the suspected shooter – an “angry” worker – had had problems with co-workers in the past, there was no indication the shooting took place.

“This is just a terrible tragedy that this entire community is feeling right now,” Stollsteimer said.

Police in the nearby town arrested the suspected shooter

The suspected shooter – who works at the store – was taken into police custody, the prosecutor said, but noted the threat no longer existed.

Police from nearby Coach, Pennsylvania, stopped the shooter’s car after a description of the suspect’s vehicle was released, Gretsky said.

A large police presence is expected in the area as police in other departments said there was a nationwide response to the accident scene.

In the minutes following the shooting, officers could be seen opening the store’s doors with guns drawn.