Oakdale Shooter Suspect Identified, Boy Killed was Oakdale Elementary Student

An Oakdale man is being held in Washington County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder and assault with a firearm after three people were shot Monday night. 

Nhan Lap Tran, 34, was arrested at Fourth Street and Hale Avenue after he allegedly shot at what appears to be random vehicles, according to police. 

The shots killed a 9-year-old boy and injured his 34-year-old mother. The Star Tribune identified the boy as Devin Aryal and his mother as Melissa Aryal. Devin was a fourth grader at Oakdale Elementary School. 

A third female victim, 68, was found at Sixth Street and Hale Avenue with a gunshot wound to her hand. The woman was transported to Regions Hospital and listed as in good condition late Monday night. 

Melissa Aryal, who was also brought to Regions, has since been released. 

Police received the initial 911 call at 6:10 p.m. Monday night. After being shot, Melissa Aryal drove her vehicle into the Rainbow Foods parking lot near where the initial shooting took place, witnesses told the Pioneer Press. 

Washington County Attorney Pete Orput told the Star Tribune that charges should be filed Wednesday morning against Tran. 

A vigil for Devin is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday night at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the Star Tribune reports.  

The Oakdale Police Department is planning to hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon regarding the shooting. This story will be updated as further information is available. 

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