Around the Nation

Toy Store Shootout Unrelated To Shopping, Officials Say

PALM DESERT, Calif. -- Two men pulled guns and shot each other to death in a crowded toy store Friday after the two women with them fought in a bloody brawl, witnesses said. No one else was hurt as scared shoppers fled.

Authorities indicated the shooting was not related to a shopping frenzy. Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Dennis Gutierrez said the fight was not over a toy. He said handguns were found by the men's bodies, but he released little other information. He would not answer a question about whether the shooting was gang-related.

Ray Turner, 20, said that he was two aisles away when the two women began shouting and screaming at each other and that he had a clear view of the fight until a crowd clustered around them. Both women had children, he said.

"We thought it was just a fight, and then someone yelled, 'He's got a gun. He's got a gun,' " Turner said.

Toys "R" Us issued a statement expressing outrage over the violence.

"We are working closely with local law enforcement officials to determine the specific details of what occurred," the statement said. "Our understanding is that this act seems to have been the result of a personal dispute between the individuals involved. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to associate the events of today with Black Friday."

Father and Son Are Jointly Honored for Combat Bravery

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- Jonathan Harris, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot who withstood enemy fire to save a wounded crew member in Afghanistan, was awarded a Silver Star. Not to be outdone, his 60-year-old father was awarded a Silver Star and a Bronze Star in a simultaneous ceremony honoring his bravery in Vietnam.

The two watched each other through a video teleconference between Fort Campbell, where the elder Harris was honored, and Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, where Jonathan, 35, is completing a tour.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, top commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, told retired Staff Sgt. Gary Harris that he hoped the ceremonies repaid the Army's failure to give him an official ceremony nearly 40 years ago. Gary Harris, of Corbin, Ky., originally received his medals in the mail.

Endeavour Crew Finally Heads Home

CAPE CANAVERAL -- Space shuttle Endeavour and its crew of seven departed the international space station, ending a visit that left the orbiting complex with more modern and deluxe living quarters for bigger crews. The shuttle spent 11 days, 16 hours and 46 minutes at the space station, the second-longest visit ever. American astronaut Gregory Chamitoff was headed home, finally, after six months in orbit. Taking his place at the space station was Sandra Magnus, who flew up on Endeavour for a 3 1/2 -month stay.

-- From News Services