Employee opens fire at Texas food warehouse, killing manager, police say

The shooting took place at a Ben E. Keith Foods distribution center.

August 20, 2018, 12:42 PM

A woman opened fire at a large food warehouse in Texas early Monday, killing a manager and injuring a fellow employee, authorities said.

The alleged shooter, an employee of the warehouse, also died after the incident and subsequent shootout at the Ben E. Keith Foods building in Missouri City, about 20 miles outside of Houston, police said.

Employee Kristine Peralez allegedly shot the two victims around 2 a.m. when about 20 to 25 employees were in the facility, according to the Missouri City Police.

PHOTO: Authorities investigate the scene after a deadly shooting at Ben E. Keith distribution center, Aug. 20, 2018, in Missouri City, Texas.
Authorities investigate the scene after a deadly shooting at Ben E. Keith distribution center, Aug. 20, 2018, in Missouri City, Texas.
Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle via AP

Responding police engaged the suspect in a shootout and she later died, Missouri City Police Chief Mike Berezin said at a news conference.

Warehouse manager Francisco Reyes was shot and died at the scene, police said, and employee Fredencio Janas was hospitalized to be treated for a gunshot wound to his leg.

The suspect's motive is unclear, Berezin said.

PHOTO: Authorities investigate the scene after a deadly shooting at Ben E. Keith distribution center, Aug. 20, 2018, in Missouri City, Texas.
Authorities investigate the scene after a deadly shooting at Ben E. Keith distribution center, Aug. 20, 2018, in Missouri City, Texas.
Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle via AP

"A SWAT team conducted an extensive search of the building and no additional suspects or victims were discovered,” Berezin said in a statement.

“This is the first active shooter situation Missouri City has encountered and we want to assure the public that the shooting did not affect any area outside of the Ben E. Keith facility,” Berezin added. “The scene is completely contained.”

About 431 people work at the facility, police said.