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Two Killed in 'Black Friday' Shootout at Toys-R-Us

by Jarrett Martineau | November 28, 2008 at 12:39 pm

3068 views | 22 Recommendations | 10 comments

Black Friday has gotten even blacker.

Two people have been killed after a shootout took place at a Toys-R-us store in Palm Desert, California on Friday morning.

The incident, allegedly the result of a dispute over a toy, occurred just hours after the terrible news emerged that a Wal-Mart employee had being trampled to death by a stampede of ravenous consumers at a Long Island store.

This is a shocking indication of consumption gone overboard and material greed leading to the tragedy of death.

Black Friday has turned violent after reports of shots fired at the Toys-R-Us on Highway 111 in Palm Desert.

Riverside County Sheriff's Deputies tell News Channel 3 at least one people was shot. One person, a juvenile, was reportedly held by police.

The incident happened just before 11:30 a.m. at the store located at 72314 Highway 111, according to deputies on scene.

Deputies told News Channel 3 that some shoppers inside were evacuated while others were kept in the store shortly after shooting as deputies swept the store for suspects.

Authorities are possibly looking for a green-colored getaway car, either a Nissan Maxima or a Kia.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department as well as officers from the Cathedral City and Indio police departments are on scene.

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Amy Judd

at 12:46 on November 28th, 2008

Don't tell me it was over an item in Toys R Us?

Blue Crush

at 12:56 on November 28th, 2008

I'm kinda glad I'm an online shopper ... wouldn't want to be out there today!

Jordan Yerman

at 13:01 on November 28th, 2008

Is there any indication that the shooting had anything to do with Black Friday itself (as opposed to just taking place today)?

Jordan Yerman

at 13:28 on November 28th, 2008

Some additional coverage:

According to witnesses the two men began arguing with each other at which time they were told to take their argument outside. One of the men walked out of the store but a woman came running in screaming obscenities at the other man at which time he pulled out a gun and shot her as well as the man he had been arguing with.

The gunman is said to still be in the store.

The Desert Sun quoted a Palm Desert city official as saying the shooting might have been caused by bad blood between two groups of shoppers. “There were two groups inside that had issue with each other,” Assistant City Manager Sheila Gilligan told the Sun. “And the two men inside pulled their weapons and shot each other.”

eastvanray

at 17:17 on November 28th, 2008

"the shooting might have been caused by bad blood between two groups of shoppers" WTF? Shopping in the US has become so dangerous that shopping gangs have formed? It's only stuff people!

davebyc (not verified)

at 19:04 on November 28th, 2008

I'm glad I'm in new york. Haha a poor guy got trampled on workin at the wal mart opening doors.I rather pay full price for an ipod.what losers!!

eastvanray

at 19:09 on November 28th, 2008

The real "losers" are the people who lined up at Wal Mart to get cheap crap for even cheaper prices than normal. The poor guy that died was just doing his job. Have some respect, dave.