OKC Police Identify Suspect, Victim In Deadly Hobby Lobby Distribution Center Shooting

A manager at the Hobby Lobby distribution center was shot dead Wednesday in southwest Oklahoma City, and the man suspected of killing him died hours later apparently in a collision along Highway 33 near Kingfisher.

According to police, the suspect fled the scene and led police on a chase two counties away. 

Police told News 9 it started during an altercation at the Hobby Lobby distribution center, located in the 7700 block of Southwest 44th Street near Council Road, when the suspect, Domonique Thompson, 32, pulled out a gun, shooting his boss, Douglas Smith, 69, at least one time.   

“When officers arrived, what they learned initially on the scene was we had an employee come in to speak to a manager, an altercation began. It got heated,” said Sgt. Rob Robertson, with the Oklahoma City Police Department.  

Homicide investigators are still putting together what caused Thompson to do what he did next. 

“The employee produced a weapon of some type and shot the manager at least one time. That manager is now deceased,” said Sgt. Robertson.

Jim Gardner in Bob Mills SkyNews 9 was over the scene as first responders cleared the building. 

“Officers have cleared the building where the initial incident occurred,” he said.

Oklahoma City Police posted a tweet about the incident saying, "March 1st just before 5pm an employee of Hobby Lobby at 3700 S. Council got into an altercation w/a supervisor. The employee produced a firearm & fatally shot the supervisor."

Hobby Lobby Founder and CEO David Green released the following statement after the deadly shooting:

"Today, our Hobby Lobby family mourns the loss of a valued and respected employee, Doug Smith, to a senseless and devastating act of violence. Our hearts are broken. We ask everyone to pray for the family, friends and co-workers of Doug, along with the first responders who quickly acted to protect our employees and secure our facility."

Where did the suspect go?

Police said they found Thompson located at a gas station near I-35 and Highway 51 where he fled the scene and initiated a pursuit.

Thompson drove out of Oklahoma City limits where other agencies got involved in the pursuit.

Police said Thompson crashed in Kingfisher County near Highway 33 and N2960 Road.

The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene, according to police.

As this story was developing, the News 9 team was updating live, on air.

You can watch those updates here:

5:15 p.m. 3/1/2023 Update

5:30 p.m. 3/1/2023 Update

6 p.m. 3/1/2023 Update

6:30 p.m. 3/1/2023 Update

10:17 a.m. 3/2/2023 Update

12:01 p.m. 3/2/2023 Update