Fatal Shooting at Lowe’s Store in Dalton: Details Emerge
In a shocking incident early Saturday, a man from Dalton has been charged after allegedly shooting a coworker at the Lowe’s store on Viewmont Drive, according to Scranton police.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Christopher M. Wasnetsky, reportedly called 911 to confess to the shooting of Jeff Moeller. In the recorded call, Wasnetsky is quoted as saying, “I would like to report a shooting at the Dickson City Lowe’s. I was the person that did it.”
Authorities arrived at the scene at 12:36 a.m., where Wasnetsky was apprehended without resistance outside the store. Meanwhile, Moeller was taken to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he was declared dead, as outlined in the criminal complaint.
Subsequently, Wasnetsky was brought to Scranton Police headquarters. There, he waived his right to legal counsel and agreed to an interview, during which he claimed to have purchased a handgun the previous week with the intention of targeting Moeller, whom he accused of harassment over several months.
According to the affidavit, Wasnetsky approached Moeller unannounced while he was on duty and shot him in the chest. Despite Moeller’s pleas for help, Wasnetsky continued to fire several shots to the head and chest, allegedly to prevent further suffering.
Police noted that three workers present during the night shift did not witness the shooting. However, surveillance footage captured Moeller handling a forklift when Wasnetsky approached with a shopping cart. The video shows Wasnetsky firing from a distance of about five feet, continuing to shoot as Moeller lay on the ground.
In the footage, Wasnetsky is seen getting closer and firing a final shot to Moeller’s head, after which Moeller ceases movement, the affidavit reports.
Upon further investigation, officers found Moeller’s body surrounded by a large pool of blood and four shell casings nearby. A Springfield 9 mm handgun was discovered approximately 30 feet away near a shopping cart, appearing unloaded with the magazine placed next to it and a live round on the ground.
Charges against Wasnetsky include two counts of aggravated assault, one being with a deadly weapon, as the investigation awaits an autopsy to verify Moeller’s cause of death. He has been arraigned on these charges and is currently held at Lackawanna County Prison, pending further legal proceedings.
