Bystander shot at DC Target speaks out from hospital as police share new video of suspect
Victim speaks out from hospital as DC police share new video of shooting suspect
A bystander who was shot inside a D.C. Target store spoke out from a hospital bed as police shared new surveillance footage of the suspect. Rodney Lyde has spent more than 40 days in the hospital after the Sept. 24 shooting at a Target in the 1500 block of New York Avenue, Northeast.
WASHINGTON - A bystander who was shot inside a Northeast Washington, D.C., Target store is speaking out from his hospital bed as police share new surveillance footage of the suspect.
What we know:
Rodney Lyde has spent more than 40 days hospitalized following the shooting, which occurred on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Target located in the 1500 block of New York Avenue Northeast.
"I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety; thoughts of recovery and things have been kind of rough. Just trying to get back on my feet," Lyde said in an exclusive interview from his hospital bed.
According to D.C. police, the incident unfolded near the front entrance of the store after the suspect allegedly stole iPads, headphones and clothing. As the suspect attempted to leave, two store employees — including an armed special police officer — confronted him.
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A physical struggle ensued, during which police say the suspect assaulted the workers and used pepper spray on them. The suspect then grabbed the armed officer's service weapon and fired a single round, striking Lyde, who was standing nearby.
The officer managed to regain control of the firearm before the suspect fled the scene on a scooter. Both Lyde and the injured officer were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, while the second employee was unharmed.
Newly released surveillance video captures the suspect walking a scooter around the store while wearing eyeglasses, a backpack and an orange-and-black jacket with reflective stripes, resembling a crossing guard.
Lyde, who has retained legal representation from the law firm Jackson and Associates, is scheduled to be released from the hospital Friday. He hopes to eventually return to his job as a bus driver.
Regarding the search for the suspect, Lyde said, "I want them to come forward and let them know that the individual that did this heinous crime towards me."
"They say, if you do the crime, you gotta do the time. That’s it," he added.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case. Anyone who recognizes the individual is urged to contact police.
The Source: Information in this article is from an exclusive FOX 5 DC interview and previous reporting.