Durango, CO – A Thursday afternoon shooting inside the Walmart in Durango left two people hospitalized, including the suspected gunman, in what authorities are investigating as an attempted murder-suicide.
The incident unfolded shortly after 4:30 p.m., when multiple shots rang out inside the store. A heavy law enforcement presence quickly surrounded the area, with officers from the Durango Police Department, the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, and crews from the Durango Fire Protection District rushing to the scene.
Victims Transported to Mercy Hospital
Durango police spokesperson Amanda Garrison confirmed that both victims, one of whom is believed to be the shooter, were transported to Mercy Hospital for emergency treatment. Their current conditions have not been disclosed.
“The situation is contained and there are no ongoing threats to the public,” Garrison said, assuring residents that investigators are working to determine how the suspect sustained injuries during the incident.
Argument Escalates Into Gunfire
Preliminary findings suggest the violence began as a dispute between a couple inside the Walmart. The argument quickly escalated into gunfire, leaving both parties wounded. Authorities are treating the case as an attempted murder-suicide.
Rapid Emergency Response
The shooting sparked a massive emergency response. By 5:00 p.m., law enforcement remained on-site securing the store while paramedics attended to victims. Authorities urged residents to avoid the Walmart area to allow first responders to work safely.
In a statement, Durango Police said:
“We ask the public to avoid the area so first responders can work without obstruction. Additional details will be released as they are confirmed.”
Investigation Ongoing
As of Thursday evening, investigators had not released the names of those involved. The Walmart store remained closed while the scene was processed.
Authorities confirmed that further updates on the case will be provided as the investigation continues