HAMMOND – A woman in her mid-20s was shot and killed Monday morning inside the Walmart North store in Hammond following an altercation with a male suspect, according to the Hammond Police Department.

At approximately 9:09 a.m. Monday, November 2, Hammond Police responded to Walmart North, located at 1100 5th Avenue, after an off-duty Hammond Police officer working security at the store reported a shooting and advised that a suspect was in custody.

According to preliminary information, the male suspect was speaking with a female Walmart employee when the encounter escalated into a physical altercation. Investigators say the suspect then retrieved a firearm and shot the employee multiple times.

The victim, described as a woman in her mid-20s, died from her injuries. Her identity has not yet been released.

Police confirmed the suspect remains in custody. Authorities have not released his identity or disclosed the relationship, if any, between the suspect and victim. Investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident and say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Walmart North will remain closed for the remainder of Monday as the investigation continues.

The Hammond Police Department extended its condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and coworkers.

The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.