CHICAGO - Two people were shot dead at a grocery store in the US state of Kentucky and one suspect was detained, local police confirmed on Wednesday.

The shooting happened at Kroger, a chain grocery store in Jeffersontown, Kentucky.

According to local police chief Sam Rogers, the suspect first shot one person inside the store and then another in the nearby parking lot.

Initial reports said two people were injured in the shooting, but both were pronounced dead later. The motive behind the shooting is till under investigation.

"We are shocked and saddened by the shooting incident that occurred around 2:30 pm today," Kroger said in a statement. "Thanks to the quick response of the local police department, the suspect was apprehended and our store is now secure."

Kroger added that they are cooperating with law enforcement and assisting with the investigation. The store remains closed and will reopen after the investigation concludes.