An Ohio Costco employee was shot and killed after allegedly preventing the killer from entering the store because he was carrying a gun.
According to Cleveland.com, the incident took place at a Costco on 16690 Royalton Road in Strongsville, Ohio, on April 25 at around 5:45 p.m. local time.
In a statement posted on social media, Strongsville Police identified the victim as Cleveland resident Randolph “Randy” E. Corrigan and confirmed that he worked for Costco. He was 61.
Christian M. Bryant, of Fort Worth, Texas, was arrested and accused in connection with the shooting. Bryant, 22, was arraigned in Berea Municipal Court on April 27 at 10:30 a.m., according to Strongsville police. Bryant will be charged with murder, an unclassified felony, in violation of section 2903.02 (A) of the Ohio Revised Code,” Strongsville P.D. noted in the statement. The matter will be brought to the grand jury at a later date, and other charges may be added at that time.”
According to local news channel WJW, Judge Sean Kilbane placed his bond at $5 million based on police recommendations.
WJW reported that Corrigan was shot many times in the chest, arm, and belly, citing court paperwork from the arraignment. Bryant reportedly entered the store with a “drum magazine protruding from one of his pockets,” according to records acquired by WJW. When contacted by a Costco employee and told that he could not enter the store while armed, he immediately drew out a semi-automatic handgun and shot Corrigan.
According to records obtained by WJW, Corrigan approached the armed shooter with a pocketknife before being shot. Bryant later allegedly told police that “a man approached me with a knife for no reason” and that “I defended myself,” according to court filings.
Strongsville Police acknowledged that the situation is still under investigation at this time.
Corrigan’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover burial expenses and provide long-term care for the 86-year-old woman he was mostly responsible for. Randy was an incredible, hilarious, and generous man who fully transformed his life after some problems in his youth,” according to the GoFundMe description. He was unselfish and loving as the primary caregiver for my 86-year-old grandma.
The GoFundMe page states that he “loved” working at Costco and spending his days with his coworkers. “He would joke, laugh, and pass around sweet treats to everyone around him, making every day brighter for those he met,” the description says. “He loved all things Jeep and Irish and never passed up an opportunity for a new tattoo! “The description says of the late Corrigan. “These passions brought him joy and made him memorable to everyone who knew him.”
His family stated in the description that his remains will be dispersed in Corona Del Mar, California, “as he wished.” As of publication, the fundraiser has raised almost $30,000 of its $40,000 goal.