Shoppers blame area, not store, after fatal shooting at Colorado Springs Kmart

Business is back to normal at the Colorado Springs Kmart hours after a fatal shooting in the store’s parking lot Wednesday night.

Thursday morning, shoppers heading into the store on Nevada Avenue said they’re surprised by the news of the shooting. Police responded to the scene just after 6:30 p.m. and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

“I’m surprised to hear it happens anywhere in Colorado Springs because with our strong military, with our four bases, it’s a little sad that happens,” said Russell Stevenson, who was shopping with his wife.

Meanwhile, shopper Lisa Ottersberg said it’s the area and not Kmart itself. She advised others to not bring a purse if shopping late at night.

Hundreds of shoppers were stuck inside while officials investigated the shooting, and many shoppers’ cars were forced to stay in the parking lot overnight.

Police have not identified a suspect and there is no word on what happened just prior to the shooting. Lt. Howard Black with the Colorado Springs Police Department said officers’ priority was making sure everyone was safe.

We’ll have the latest on the investigation coming up at 5 p.m.