Missouri Man Shoots CVS Employee 8 Times After Targeting Ex-Lover’s Workplace, Police Say
NORTH KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI — A Missouri man is accused of storming into a CVS store where his former lover worked and shooting another employee eight times, later telling police he could have killed more people but chose not to.
Authorities say 29-year-old Antonio Serrano has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action after fatally shooting 42-year-old Rusty Donovan on Thursday afternoon at the CVS in North Kansas City.
Police: Gunman Fired Nearly a Dozen Rounds Inside Store
According to Clay County court records obtained by KMBC, Serrano entered the CVS around 3 p.m., approached the counter, and pointed a gun at a female employee before turning his weapon toward Donovan.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Serrano firing nearly a dozen bullets at the victim — even continuing to shoot after Donovan fell to the floor. The woman he once dated, who also worked at the store, was not present during the shooting.
Authorities said Serrano arrived at the scene already agitated, possibly over his former relationship.
“Could Have Shot the Cops If I Wanted To,” Suspect Allegedly Told Officers
After the attack, Serrano allegedly told another CVS worker to call 911, saying he wanted to turn himself in. When officers arrived, Serrano reportedly admitted, “I could have shot the cops if I wanted to, but I decided not to.”
He also claimed he “could have hurt more people but didn’t”, later expressing remorse by saying he was “sorry” and that he “probably deserves life in prison.”
Investigators noted that Serrano appeared calm when arrested and claimed he didn’t fully understand why he opened fire.
History of Disturbances and Prior Arrests
Police said Serrano had returned to the same CVS a week earlier to confront an employee, which prompted a prior call to law enforcement. It remains unclear whether that earlier encounter involved his ex-partner.
According to court records cited by KMBC, Serrano has a history of resisting arrest, with a 2019 conviction on similar charges.
Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson condemned the shooting as “a shocking and brutal act of violence,” commending police for their rapid investigation.
CVS also issued a statement to KSHB-TV, saying:
“Counseling and support services are being offered to all store colleagues to help them cope with this senseless tragedy.”
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