A routine shopping trip at a Walmart in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, turned violent on Friday night when an argument between two customers near the self-checkout area escalated into a shooting, leaving a store employee wounded. Armani Tyrell Waite, 24, of Pennsylvania, surrendered to Darby Township Police on Monday and was subsequently taken into custody. He faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault, in connection with the incident at the Walmart on North MacDade Boulevard.
"There are no less than 30 people around Mr. Waite when, as a result of this argument, he pulls out a gun and fires three times." — Tanner Rouse, Delaware County District Attorney
According to authorities, the confrontation began when Waite and another customer exchanged words near the store's self-checkout. Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse stated during a Monday news conference that the verbal dispute was brief before Waite allegedly pulled out a firearm and discharged it three times. "There are no less than 30 people around Mr. Waite when, as a result of this argument, he pulls out a gun and fires three times," Rouse reported, emphasizing the potential for a far greater tragedy.
One of the bullets, intended for the other customer, missed its target, traveled through a glass door, and struck a female Walmart employee who was standing outside the store. The employee sustained a gunshot wound to her calf. She was transported to a local hospital, where she received treatment, and is expected to make a full recovery. Her identity has not been publicly released by authorities.
Investigators confirmed that the other customer involved in the dispute possessed a valid permit for his firearm. However, he did not discharge his weapon during the incident. Police indicated that the man displayed his firearm in his waistband during the confrontation, but investigators do not believe Waite's actions were in self-defense. Following the shooting, Waite reportedly fled the scene, leaving behind his firearm and car keys. Surveillance footage from inside the Walmart, along with other evidence collected at the scene, played a crucial role in identifying Waite as the primary suspect.
The incident prompted a weekend-long search for Waite by law enforcement. Police attempted to serve a search warrant at a residence in Upper Darby Township on Monday morning but did not locate him there. Prior to his arrest, Waite's family informed authorities that he was cooperating with an attorney and preparing to surrender. He later turned himself in, as announced by police.
The shooting left many shoppers and local residents unsettled. Customers present during the incident expressed their shock and concern, particularly given the presence of several children in the store at the time. One female customer, who was shopping with her 3-year-old child near the area where the shooting occurred, recounted her experience: "I was waiting to pay, and the crazy part about it is my friend said, ‘Oh, let’s go to that aisle.’ I said, ‘No, I don’t want to go.’ I don’t know why, but I just didn’t want to go there." She added, "The prayer I prayed before I went outside today was a good one." Other customers expressed gratitude that the employee's injuries were not life-threatening and hoped for a swift resolution to the case.
Walmart released a statement following the event, affirming its commitment to safety. "The safety of our associates and customers is a top priority," the company stated. "We’re grateful to first responders for their swift response and are working closely with law enforcement as they continue their investigation."
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the firearm involved, including whether it was stolen or had been previously linked to other criminal activities. Waite's preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 11, as prosecutors continue to build their case.
