 Officers with the Tyler Police Department responded to reports that gunshots were heard near the Walmart on State Highway 64 Wednesday evening at 5:49 p.m. No injuries were reported in the incident, and the store has been cleared. The investigation is ongoing, police say.
A Walmart spokesperson said that as of 9 p.m. Wednesday night, the store has reopened and is back to business as usual.
Statement from Tyler Police Department issued at 8:31 p.m.:
On Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 6:05 p.m., Tyler Police received numerous calls of shots fired near or at the rear of Walmart located at Highway 64 W. and Loop 323.
Officers responded to the area immediately to assess the situation of the reports. Upon officers arrival it was determined that there was no indication of any active shooter within the store.
Officers requested that the Walmart be cleared of all customers and employees so that a thorough search could be conducted for any potential victims or suspects.
Officers were told by several witnesses that they heard several shots near the rear of the store or outside the rear of the store. Officers also conducted a search of a wooded area to the south of the store and found no evidence of victims or discharging of a weapon.
First responders from Department of Public Safety, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Fire Department, UT Health Emergency Services all responded to the scene to assist Tyler Police with the incident.
The only injuries that were reported at the scene were from personal health issues by customers or employees.
Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime are urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.
This incident remains under investigation by the Tyler Police Department.
