Randy Corrigan, Strongsville, Ohio Costco store worker shot dead in parking lot during confrontation with passing trucker, Christian M. Bryant, 22, of Fort Worth, Texas. Authorities continue to investigate what led to two men interacting.
Ohio authorities have arrested a man alleged to have fired shots at a Costco parking lot in Strongsville, during an alleged confrontation leading to the death of a store worker.
Christian M. Bryant, 22, of Fort Worth, Texas, appeared via video for a Monday morning arraignment where he was charged with felony murder in the shooting death of 61-year-old Randy Corrigan of Cleveland, OH.
Judge Sean Kilbane set bond at $5 million, as recommended by Strongsville police, FOX8 reported.
What led to confrontation in Strongsville Costco store parking lot?
Police described the shooting as ‘an incident between two individuals’ and do not believe it was a random act, Cleveland.com reported.
Officers responded at about 5:45 p.m. on Saturday to reports of gunfire outside the Costco on Royalton Road and a man down.
Authorities said the Costco store worker was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, Randy Corrigan later died.
Corrigan had been shot several times, including in the chest, abdomen and right arm. He was breathing, conscious and able to answer questions at the scene, but ‘[it] was apparent his alertness was beginning to decline,’ a police report noted.
Suspect claims victim had knife
Bryant during his arrest in the parking lot repeatedly told police officers that Corrigan ‘had a knife,’ according to the police report.
‘This man approached me with a knife,’ he told the court during his Monday arraignment, attempting to plead his case.
Bryant may face additional charges after the case is presented to a Cuyahoga County grand jury, according to police.
During the Monday hearing, Strongsville police Detective Zaki Hazou said Bryant is a truck driver who was passing through Ohio.
Bryant is a high school graduate and that he has a prior criminal record, though he is not currently under probationary supervision or parole. He previously lived in Illinois, he said.
A victim’s advocate speaking Monday on behalf of Corrigan’s family said his relatives wish for ‘justice to be served’ and for anyone who witnessed the Saturday shooting to come forward and deliver a statement to police.
Family and friends have launched a GoFundme fundraiser, ‘Help with funeral & grandmother’s care,’ to help cover Corrigan’s funeral expenses and ongoing care needs for his 86-year-old grandmother, describing him as a devoted family man who ‘did everything’ for his loved ones.
Police continue to investigate.
