A fatal shooting at the bustling Park West Village shopping center in Morrisville left one man dead and a suspect in custody Monday night, officials confirmed as a police investigation continues into what local authorities are describing as a sudden and deadly confrontation at a busy retail and dining area.
Authorities identified the victim as Zachary David Horn, who was shot during the incident and later died at a hospital, according to law enforcement reports. The shooting took place near the popular Crumbl Cookies location within the center, an area frequently filled with shoppers and diners on a Monday evening.
Police acted quickly to cordon off the scene after the first calls came in, and nearby businesses cleared their patrons as first responders worked to secure the area and render aid to any victims. Witnesses described a frightening scene as bystanders and staff reacted to the sound of gunshots and the sudden urgency of the situation.
Investigators later arrested John Willis Fraizer III, 55, of Morrisville. He was taken into custody at a nearby restaurant in the same shopping center and charged with murder and discharging a firearm within city limits, according to charging documents reviewed by reporters.
Eyewitnesses recounted how patrons and employees at nearby establishments played a role in subduing the suspect. Ruckus Pizza’s general manager told reporters that another bystander helped tackle the suspect after the shooting and disarm his weapon before police arrived. After ensuring the suspect was restrained, the manager said he provided first aid to the victim until emergency medical technicians reached the scene.
Park West Village is a mixed-use shopping and dining district that draws residents from throughout the Triangle area of North Carolina. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police officers and detectives kept parts of the center closed off, seeking evidence and gathering statements from witnesses.
The Morrisville Police Department is appealing to anyone with information or video footage from the scene to come forward as the investigation remains active. Officials have reiterated that they are working to piece together the sequence of events that led to the shooting and to determine what, if any, motive may have been involved.
