MODESTO — An off-duty corrections officer was involved in a shooting at a Modesto Costco on Thursday evening, according to a spokesperson from the Modesto Police Department.
Just before 5 p.m., Modesto police officers were called out to Costco because of several reports of a man with a knife inside the Costco on Pelendale Avenue. Several officers responded to the store, according to police.
While the officers were en route, they learned that an off-duty officer had possibly shot the suspect with the knife.
When Modesto police officers arrived, they learned that an off-duty corrections officer had shot the suspect at least one time. The suspect, a 61-year-old man from Modesto, was transported to an area hospital where he is listed in critical but stable condition.
It began as just another night at work for Seth Watson. Watson is an employee at Costco.
“He had a knife, like a kitchen knife and we had a guy selling kitchen knives here. He might have stolen it off the table,” said Watson.
Witness video shows the shooting and the screaming of terrified customers.
“The guy with the gun continued to tell him, put the knife down. He did not do that,” said Watson.
The corrections officer was not injured.
“I had no idea I didn’t even know that was an armed officer until it was all said and done,” said Watson. “I’m glad he was there.”
A family member of the man with the knife called FOX40. The relative said the man is a veteran and had just come back from a medical appointment. He is reportedly depressed and suffering from an illness that is still being diagnosed by doctors.
When the man got home from his appointment, he started threatening that he was going to kill himself and took off walking. The man’s wife then called police, according to the relative.
No other details were immediately available.
