STERLING, Va. — Deputies are asking people to stay away from a popular shopping plaza in Sterling after a shooting on Monday.
According to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, the shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. at the Dulles 28 Centre in the 22000 block of Dulles Retail Plaza Monday evening.
A spokesperson with the law enforcement agency told WUSA9 that a man was shot outside the back door of the Milk & Honey restaurant.
"I'm super surprised. I wouldn't expect this to happen here," said David Wehar, who works at a restaurant nearby.
"A little before 7 we saw three cop cars coming by right here and then another cop was running off toward Wegmans. They taped off the whole area," Wehar said.
The victim, who has only been identified as a man, was shot in the upper body and is currently in stable condition.
Police are now on the lookout for the gunman who has been described as a skinny tall man, last seen wearing a dark jacket, a scarf and a black stocking cap.
On Tuesday, investigators released an image from a surveillance camera showing the man they are looking for. Anyone who recognizes him is asked to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.
One witness told WUSA9 that the shooter actually went inside the restaurant through a back door, but this has not been confirmed by police. Wehar said the whole thing was shocking.
"This is only my third shift working here ever, so it's pretty weird for me. But I've lived in Sterling my whole life so this isn't something that usually happens here," he said.
There is no word on a motive or what may have happened in the moments leading up to the shooting.
Anyone with information may contact the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office through the non-emergency line at 703-777-1021.
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