A tragic shooting occurred early Saturday morning at the Lowe’s on Viewmont Drive in Scranton, Pennsylvania, when an employee shot and killed a coworker, according to police.
The suspect, 36-year-old Christopher M. Wasnetsky, was taken into custody after he himself called 911 to report the incident. Officers arrived at the store at 12:36 a.m. on June 14, 2025, and found Jeff Moeller, the victim, lying on the ground in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds.
When speaking to the emergency dispatcher, Wasnetsky reported a shooting at the Dickson City Lowe’s and openly stated that he was responsible. He told authorities he had endured harassment and other problems for several months leading up to the incident.
At the scene, police found four shell casings beside Moeller and recovered a Springfield 9mm semiautomatic handgun near a shopping cart about 30 feet from the victim. The gun appeared to be unloaded, with a magazine and live round found next to it.
First responders rushed Moeller to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Wasnetsky was found at the store’s entrance and was arrested without resistance.
During questioning, Wasnetsky offered a thorough account of his actions and motives. He alleged that Moeller had been harassing him for months and claimed that management had failed to resolve the issue. He admitted to buying the gun specifically to shoot his coworker and said he had practiced using it in his backyard before the incident.
Security footage from inside the store documented the shooting. The recording shows Moeller operating a forklift when Wasnetsky approaches with a shopping cart. Wasnetsky then pulls out the firearm and starts shooting from about five feet away.
According to statements included in police records, Wasnetsky admitted to shooting Moeller in the chest without warning. After Moeller collapsed and pleaded for help, Wasnetsky claimed he did not want Moeller to suffer, so he fired additional rounds at his head and chest.
The Lackawanna County Coroner performed an autopsy on Saturday, confirming that Moeller suffered several gunshot wounds and ruling his death a homicide.
Wasnetsky faces two counts of aggravated assault, including a general count and another specific to the use of a deadly weapon. He is currently being held at the Lackawanna County Prison awaiting his court appearance.
District Attorney Brian Gallagher indicated that further charges are likely after the autopsy report is finalized on Monday. The current felony aggravated assault charges are expected to be raised in light of the fatal outcome.
Lowe’s responded to the incident through Meagan Bernstein, the company’s senior director of external communications. The statement stressed that employee and customer safety remains their top concern, called the shooting a senseless act of violence, and confirmed that Lowe’s is working closely with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
The shooting took place during the overnight shift when fewer employees and customers are generally present. Both Wasnetsky and Moeller were said to be working their typical shifts at the time.
Investigators have collected multiple pieces of evidence, including surveillance video, the handgun, shell casings, and Wasnetsky’s detailed confession. The case is being treated as an instance of workplace violence, with the suspect contacting police immediately after.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities look to bring additional charges and review all facets of the case. Wasnetsky’s admission that he bought the weapon specifically to harm his coworker, coupled with his practice beforehand, points to premeditation—a factor likely to influence any upgraded charges.
Both Wasnetsky and Moeller lived in the area, with Wasnetsky residing in Dalton, Pennsylvania. The shooting has left a mark on both the local community and the employees at the Scranton Lowe’s.
