OKLAHOMA CITY — An employee at a Hobby Lobby distribution center in Oklahoma who fatally shot a manager on Wednesday later died in an automobile accident, authorities said.
According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, the employee, Domonique Thompson, 32, was having a disagreement with Douglas Smith, 69, the manager at the distribution center in Oklahoma City, KFOR-TV reported.
According to a news release from the police department, Thompson allegedly walked to the parking lot and retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, a red Dodge Challenger. Police said Thompson then allegedly walked back into the building and shot Smith, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators received a description of Thompson’s vehicle at a gas station near Interstate 51, KOKH-TV reported. Police said Thompson fled the scene and was followed by authorities.
Thompson eventually crashed his vehicle in Kingfisher County northwest of Oklahoma City and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the television station.
In a statement, Hobby Lobby CEO David Green called the incident “a devastating act of violence.”
“Today, our Hobby Lobby family mourns the loss of a valued and respected employee, Doug Smith, to a senseless and devastating act of violence,” Green said. “Our hearts are broken. We ask everyone to pray for the family, friends and co-workers of Doug, along with the first responders who quickly acted to protect our employees and secure our facility.”