Employee shot in chest as he helped customer put bags in vehicle

LINDEN, Texas (KSLA) - The Linden Texas Police Department is investigating a possible accidental shooting that left a man dead in a grocery store parking lot Friday afternoon (Sept. 22).

Just after 3:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of Crump’s Food Center, located in the 700 block of West Houston Street.

According to witnesses, 39-year-old Larry Lawrence, who was a store employee, was in the process of placing groceries in the rear seat of a vehicle, where a dog was located. He then began to pet the dog. While occupied with the dog, a .22 rifle, also located in the rear seat of the vehicle, discharged and struck Lawrence in the chest, officials with the police department said.

Witnesses at the store attempted to perform resuscitative measures on Lawrence. Paramedics and police were also immediately called. Upon arrival, EMS personnel took over administering life-saving measures to the victim. He was pronounced deceased at the helipad site.

Linden Police Chief David Dulude said although the incident appears to be accidental at this time, the case is currently under investigation.

“It is unclear of the means of the discharge at this time,” Chief Dulude said.

The Linden Police Department offers their deepest condolences to Lawrence’s family.

Here is what the store had to say about the tragic incident. ➣

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