Thornton Walmart Shooting: 3 Dead, Suspect Arrested

THORNTON, CO -- Police took a man into custody this morning who was the alleged shooter at a Walmart in Thornton where three people died. Channel 7 reports Scott Ostrem, 47, of Denver was apprehended near 72nd and Federal in Westminster. Thornton police had identified Ostrem earlier, who was said to be driving a red Mitsubishi Mirage. The Adams Co. Coroner's office identified the three victims as Pamela Marques, 52, of Denver; Carlos Moreno, 66, of Thornton and Victor Vasquez, 26, of Denver.

Thornton Police Public Information Officer Victor Avila said a citizen tip led to Ostrem's arrest.

Avila said that understanding what was happening in store video surveillance was also complicated by customers who were carrying guns and took them out during the incident.

"It was chaos in there," he said.

Thornton Mayor Heidi Williams offered her condolences to the victims' families.

"Obviously this is a huge tragedy for the families, for the witnesses, for the employees at Walmart," Williams said. "Our first responders showed up well-trained and worked well together to quickly solve this crime."

The Walmart remains closed, Williams said.

Chilling surveillance video from the Walmart north of Denver showed a lone male suspect, now thought to be Ostrem, armed with a handgun as he walked into the building Wednesday night and fired multiple shots into the crowded store, a Thornton Police spokesman said. Three people were killed. Two men were declared dead shortly after the shooting and a woman was pronounced dead several hours later. The shooting sent terrified shoppers and employees running from the store.

A manhunt ensued for Ostrem, who was considered armed and dangerous. Surveillance video shows him entering a red 4-door Mitsubishi Mirage and speeding out of the parking lot of 9900 Grant St. after the deadly shooting.

Channel 9News reported Ostrem had a history of financial problems and had filed for bankruptcy in 2015. According to the station, Ostrem's criminal history includes a charge for resisting arrest in 1999 and DUI in 2011. He was sued by a family member in 2011, the station said.

The Walmart company issued a statement Thursday:

The entire Walmart family is deeply saddened by this tragic event. Out thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones and by all who were impacted by what took place.

Police said said anyone with further information about Ostrem is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

According to a 9 News report, agents from the FBI, ATF and Aurora SWAT team officers all responded to the scene. Denver7 reported the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that there appeared to be no terrorist link to the shootings.

A shopper recorded video of the empty store as officers entered with their weapons drawn. Shouting could be heard in the distance. That video was also shared on Twitter.

Thornton Police News Conference Thursday morning:

Three Shot Dead In Walmart Near Denver

Thornton PD first tweeted that a shooting had occurred with "multiple parties down" at the Walmart at 9900 Grant St. and warned the public to stay away around 6:30 p.m. Mountain time. The store was evacuated and emergency vehicles filled the parking lot. Police later posted that there was no threat to the public.

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Photos: Thornton Police released a surveillance video of a suspect in the Walmart shooting Nov. 1 and the red 4-door Mitsubishi Mirage in which they said he drove away.