Laurel Fatal Shooting Victim, Suspect Knew Each Other: Police

This story was last updated Wednesday at 5:33 p.m.

LAUREL, MD — A man was fatally shot Wednesday near a Laurel shopping center, authorities said.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department said the suspect is still on the run. Detectives think the unidentified victim and the unknown suspect knew each other.

Investigators are still trying to figure out a potential motive. They will release the victim's name after notifying his family.

Officers said the shooting happened around 10:15 a.m. in the 3500 block of Russett Green East. That's just outside the Russett Green Center, which is anchored by Walmart and Sam's Club.

Authorities said the victim was shot at least once while walking on the sidewalk along Russett Green East.

The shooting did not happen in the shopping center itself, police said. The shopping center stayed open for business.

Officers said the suspect fled in a dark-colored sedan toward Laurel Fort Meade Road.

The fire department pronounced the victim dead on the scene, authorities said.

The investigation is still in its early stages. Police hope to find some surveillance cameras in the area, as the shooting happened in a highly populated neighborhood.

Officers said this was a targeted shooting, not a random act of violence.

"It's an absolute tragedy, and our hearts go out to the victim's family," Cpl. Chris Anderson said at a press conference. "It's hard for us to make sense of things sometimes. I've been a cop for 21 years and I've seen a lot of stuff that I can't make sense of."

Authorities asked anybody with information to call (410) 222-4731. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing (410) 222-4700.

This map shows the area where police said the shooting happened.