Lowe’s Employee Shot Coworker on Forklift in Pennsylvania and Later Confessed to Human Resources

A recent incident at a Lowe’s store in Scranton, Pennsylvania, has resulted in a tragic workplace shooting that left one employee dead and another facing serious criminal charges. The alleged shooter, Christopher Wasnetsky, has been charged with first and third-degree murder after reportedly confessing to the act in an email to his human resources department and a 911 dispatcher.

The fatal shooting occurred during an overnight shift when Wasnetsky, who was operating a forklift, allegedly shot his coworker, Jeff Moeller, at close range. Law enforcement authorities responded to an emergency call at 12:36 a.m. on Saturday, locating Wasnetsky near the entrance of the store shortly after the incident. Inside, officers found Moeller with two gunshot wounds, one to the head and another to the back. Despite immediate medical assistance and transport to Geisinger Community Medical Center, Moeller succumbed to his injuries.

According to the criminal complaint, Wasnetsky not only called to report the shooting but also detailed his motivations via an email to Lowe’s management prior to the violence. He expressed frustration about ongoing harassment from Moeller, asserting that his previous complaints had gone unaddressed. In his communications, Wasnetsky indicated that he felt left with no other options, a sentiment he reiterated during his 911 call, where he identified himself as the perpetrator.

Further investigations revealed that Wasnetsky had purchased a Springfield 9mm handgun and had practiced shooting in his backyard. He admitted to planning the attack, stating that he intended to take his own life afterward but blacked out before he could follow through on that intent. The store manager confirmed that Wasnetsky had lodged harassment complaints against Moeller, but investigations deemed those claims unfounded.

In response to this incident, Meagan Bernstein, senior director of external communications for Lowe’s Companies Inc., emphasized the company’s commitment to associate and customer safety. She expressed sadness over the violent occurrence and stated that the company is cooperating fully with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation.

Wasnetsky is currently incarcerated at the Lackawanna County Prison without bail, as the legal proceedings surrounding this tragic episode continue to unfold. This incident raises critical concerns about workplace safety and the handling of employee grievances within corporate environments.