Four persons were shot in `B’ Field Sophia last night after a man opened fire randomly during a confrontation between residents that had attracted a crowd.
Police say that the four who suffered gunshot wounds are:
1. Abdool Joshua Kamal, a 32-year-old welder of ‘A’ Field Sophia, who sustained one gunshot wound to his left shoulder.
2. Shellon Collins, a 23-year-old shopkeeper of ‘B’ Field Sophia, who was shot in the left side face of her face.
3. Omale Dick, a 27-year-old labourer of Lodge Housing Scheme, who sustained three gunshot wounds (two to the abdomen and one to his left thigh).
4. Quincy Hoyte, a 33-year-old labourer of ‘B’ Field Sophia, who suffered one gunshot wound to his lower back.
It is unclear if the gunman was connected to any of the disputants.
The shooting occurred at ‘B’ Field Sophia access road.
In a release today, the police said that the victims were all part of a crowd gathered around two men fighting on the access road. Police are looking for the suspect, who they say reportedly walked up to the crowd and fired randomly, causing everyone to scatter and run for cover. The shooter was wearing a grey hoodie, red and black pants and is about 6 feet in height.
Investigations revealed that Shellon Collins (one of the persons wounded) and another female, 34-year-old Felicia Thom of ‘B’ Field, Sophia, had a misunderstanding earlier in the day where Collins claimed that Thom pelted her shop.
Both women later told their reputed husbands what had happened between them. Around 9.30 last night, Collins’ reputed husband, Dion Morris, a 24-year-old labourer, confronted Thom’s reputed husband, Malcolm Hutson, a 38-year-old minibus driver, on the access road.
The two men began to fight and a large crowd gathered which included the four who were later shot.
“At this point, the suspect approached the crowd and discharged several rounds at persons who had gathered around the two men fighting. After the shooting, the suspect ran away in a northern direction. Checks are currently being made for the suspect”, the police said.
Those who suffered gunshot wounds were picked up and taken to the GPHC, where doctors examined them. Kamal was treated and sent away, while the other victims were admitted to the hospital.
Eight 9mm spent shells were found at the scene.
Further investigations are in progress.