(Rightallegiance.com) – Two people lost their lives, and three others were hurt when a former employee, angry about being fired, started shooting at a linen store in Chester, Pennsylvania. This tragic event occurred on Wednesday at Delaware County Linen, a family-run business established in 1988. The company provides linens for restaurants, country clubs, hotels, and other businesses.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer spoke about the incident at the scene. “This kind of story happens too often in America,” he said. “An upset ex-employee walked into Delaware County Linen and shot five of his former coworkers.” He also mentioned that two people died and three were taken to the hospital. “Please pray for them,” he urged, explaining that the injured were in serious condition, but they hoped they would survive.
The suspect, who was quickly arrested, was identified as 61-year-old Wilbert Rosado Ruiz. The shooting began around 8:30 a.m. at the store located on the 2600 block of W. 4th Street. Police found one man dead outside the building and another dead inside. Both of the deceased were employees, identified as Leovanny and Giguenson Peña-Peña, brothers from the Dominican Republic.
The authorities provided updates about the surviving victims. Two of them are in stable condition, while the third is critical but stable. Chester Police Commissioner Steven Gretsky described how officers helped one of the injured by using a laundry bin to move him outside for better medical care. This victim is now in stable condition.
Investigators said Rosado Ruiz had a dispute with a female employee before the shooting. He then stepped outside to take a phone call before returning with a gun and starting to shoot. Stollsteimer noted that Rosado Ruiz methodically walked around the store, shooting at people. Nearly 50 people were in the building when the shooting began.
The woman involved in the dispute was among those shot. She managed to get outside, but Rosado Ruiz followed her and fired more shots. However, his gun either jammed or ran out of ammunition, so she wasn’t further injured. Rosado Ruiz then drove away but was soon stopped and arrested by a police officer who had heard the description of his vehicle. The suspect was caught at Kane and Culhane streets in Chester, not far from where he lived. A gun was found in his car, but it’s unclear if it was the weapon used in the shooting.
Rosado Ruiz faces numerous charges, including multiple counts of homicide and aggravated assault. He is also charged with a firearms offense, as he was not permitted to carry a concealed weapon, even though he could legally own a firearm.
Employees at the linen store initially thought the gunshots were an explosion, possibly from the chemicals used in their work. They quickly realized the danger when they heard co-workers yelling to get out and take cover. “We were all terrified,” said one employee. “We saw someone coming, but we didn’t wait to see what would happen. Everyone just ran for their lives.”
Rosado Ruiz had worked at Delaware County Linen since 2016. Neighbors and employees had previously expressed concerns about his behavior, leading to a meeting with the business owners the day before the shooting.
A large cross was set up at the store following the shooting, and despite the tragedy, the business reopened the next day. The community is deeply affected by the incident. “My heart is broken for them,” said David Wright from Chester. “This is a horrible tragedy that affected everyone in this community,” Stollsteimer added.