Auburn Police are investigating a shooting incident that targeted a City of Auburn employee.

The initial encounter between the employee and unknown male occurred Wednesday, March 24 at approximately 8:00 am, said City of Auburn Public Information Officer Kalyn Brady.

The male individual approached the City of Auburn employee at Les Gove Park (9^th St. SE) and asked for a cigarette. Shortly after speaking to the employee, the male attempted to rummage through another employee’s vehicle.

“The employee confronted the individual regarding his actions, prompting the suspect to leave the area,” Brady said.

The unidentified male reportedly returned to the park the following day, March 25 at approximately 12:30 pm. He approached the same employee after exiting a vehicle and asked if the employee remembered their interaction.

According to Brady the male then produced a handgun from his waistband and fired four shots at the employee. The employee was able to duck and run between two nearby vehicles.

“The incident is classified as a targeted, retaliatory attack,” Brady said.

Although the employee was not physically injured in the targeted attack, a bullet did strike a car in the immediate area.

Auburn Police have a suspect description and detectives are working to locate the individual. Additional patrols have been put in place for the Les Gove Campus.