(Reuters) - An early-morning shooting at a Pathmark supermarket in New Jersey has left at least three people dead, including the suspected gunman, local media said on Friday.

Shots were heard inside the supermarket in Old Bridge, about 35 miles from New York City, just before 4 a.m. EDT as employees were preparing to open the store for business, said the local ABC television affiliate.

Police found two windows bashed in, the station reported.

Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry described the suspected shooter as a disgruntled worker, the Star-Ledger newspaper said.

"This is the worst phone call a mayor can receive," Henry told the newspaper. "You can prepare for these things but you can't prevent them."

Gunman wearing body armor

3 dead, including gunman, in Pathmark shootout

OLD BRIDGE (WABC) -- Three people are dead, including the alleged gunman, in an early-morning shootout inside a New Jersey shopping center.

Police responded to shots fired inside the Pathmark, where employees were stocking shelves, at 1043 Route 9 in Old Bridge just before 4 a.m. The store was scheduled to open at 6 a.m.

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Shooting inside Pathmark in Old Bridge

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There was a confrontation with the gunman, who was reportedly in body armor, and the suspect was killed. He was tentatively identified as a 23-year-old ex-Marine who worked at the supermarket for the last two weeks.

It is unknown how many others were shot before police responded, but authorities believe he killed two, a man and a woman, before turning the gun on himself.

Authorities say he left the store around 4 a.m. and returned dressed in camouflage, armed with an AK-47 and an automatic handgun. He shot the two victims, both young adults. The woman was believed to be just 18.

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