ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two individuals in connection with a report of the shots fired call at Walmart in Hays.

Just before 7p.m. police dispatch received multiple calls of shots being fired inside the Walmart store, 4301 Vine Street in Hays, according to a media release.

Officers responded to Walmart for an active shooter situation.  Upon their arrival people were running from the store. Eye-witnesses identified two suspects as being involved in the shooting incident.  Officers quickly apprehended the suspects identified as Linda J. Lipe 45, and Phillip L. Lipe, 68,  both from Norcatur, Kansas.

Walmart was closed while the scene was processed and the building was searched.

The investigation has determined there was only one bullet discharged from a pistol owned by the Lipes, and that the gun went off after it was accidentally dropped on the floor.  The discharged bullet did not injure anyone. 

Phillip and Linda Lipe were arrested on the following charges: criminal use of a weapon, endangerment, unlawful discharge of a firearm within city limits, interference with a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  They were booked into the Ellis County Jail.

 

HAYS POST

Update: The Hays Police Department posted the following on its Facebook page as of about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night.

The Walmart store has been cleared and there is no further danger to the community. The scene has been released by law enforcement and the store is now open for business. The initial investigation indicates that one shot was fired inside the store and that it was an accidental discharge. There were no injuries. Two people remain in custody and are held for weapon and drug violations. The Hays Police Department would like to thank the City of Hays Communication Center, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Kanas Highway Patrol, Fort Hays State University Police Department, Hays Fire Department, and the Ellis County EMS for their professional response to this incident. Their service and assistance was greatly appreciated.

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Update: 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 from the Hays Police Department:

At 6:48 p.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2019, there were multiple reports of gunshots and people running from the Hays Walmart store. The Hays Police Dept, Kansas Highway Patrol, Fort Hays State University Police Department, and Ellis County Sheriff’s Office responded. Two people have been detained with no injuries. The scene is now secure. Walmart is closed while the crime scene is processed and the store cleared. The public is asked to please avoid the area. The investigation is ongoing.

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Update: 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16

Morris and Danielle Esprit of Houston, Texas, were shopping in the Hays Walmart in the automotive section Wednesday night when a firearm was discharged.

They did not see the firearm or the person who fired it, but they did hear the shot.

Danielle said she thought someone had dropped something.

Morris said he realized the sound was a gunshot but noticed no one was running or seemed frightened.

He estimated within about 10 or 15 minutes the store was evacuated.

Morris, who is a truck driver, said the couple was on the road and just stopped in Hays to pick up supplies. They were waiting outside the store, hoping it would reopen soon so they could purchase the items they needed.

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Update: 7:33 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Law enforcement officials are at the scene at the Hays Walmart investigating the discharge of a firearm.

Employees who had been evacuated from the building said that a woman had accidentally discharged a firearm inside of the store.

Officers were still investigating the scene as of 7:30 p.m. Employees were allowed to reenter the building, but the store remained closed. Officers said they did not know when the store would be able to reopen. The parking lot entranced are being blocked by officers, and shoppers are urged to stay away until officers can conclude their investigation.

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Numerous law enforcement officers and emergency responders are on the scene at the Hays Walmart, 4301 Vine, responding to a report of multiple gun shots at 6:48 p.m.

Authorities are asking people to stay away from the store and its parking lot.

At this time, the situation has been downgraded, although the Special Situation Response Team is gathered nearby at Great Clips.

Hays Post has a reporter on the scene and will have updates as soon as they are available.