ALMOST all of those wounded in Tuesday’s daylight shootout in downtown Castries are in police custody, as investigations continue in the gunfight that terrified shoppers and passersby in the immediate vicinity of the CDC Buildings and Jeremie Street and stopped altogether the usual activities of the city.
Four men were expected to be charged yesterday afternoon for offenses relating to the incident, according to a reliable source.
This brazen shooting — around 4p.m. on Louis Street — resulted in the death of Elton Fontinelle of Morne Du Don, Castries and the hospitalisation of a nine-year-old girl who sustained a bullet to one of her legs. She is the only one with an injury who is not in police custody.
Fontinelle, who lay on the sidewalk on Louis Street after the shooting, was conveyed to the Victoria Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds about the body, where he was pronounced dead by a medical practitioner.
Four individuals sustained injuries in the shooting spree and are said to be in stable condition.
Two of those in police custody were said to be from Vieux Fort, fueling speculation (once again) that the gunfight was gang-related.
The Royal St. Lucia Police Force is appealing to anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the nearest police station, or the Criminal Investigations Department at 456-3770.
Acting Prime Minister Ezechiel Joseph, in a press release, commended the police for their quick action following the shooting incident.
“The Government of Saint Lucia states its immense concern about the recent violence which has transpired in the city and the Acting Prime Minister expressed sympathies to the families of those affected and those who have been left traumatised by this violent incident within the city,” stated the press release.
“We want to thank the average Saint Lucians who came to the aid of those who were injured and pulled others out of harm’s way,” said the Acting Prime Minister, adding that “despite the circumstances, there was true heroism showed by regular everyday people and we thank and commend them all.”
“We also want to thank the visitors to our island, in particular two elective medical students who serve at Victoria Hospital, who were in the vicinity at the time and tended to the injured,” Joseph said, applauding also the police and emergency personnel for their quick response and for restoring calm in the city.
The Acting Prime Minister reiterated the Government’s zero-tolerance policy on crime and gang violence and stressed the commitment to create a peaceful and safe country for all citizens and visitors.
“Such incidents can never become the norm in our country. We must all help the police to carry out their duties in bringing this malaise on our nation to an end,” stated Minister Joseph. “
the government needs to do this considering the broke state of the nation
* declare a gun amnesty and allow people to anonymously report those who they know have weapons
*this would also include the pardon of those who turn their guns in willingly
*non questioning of those who bring a gun which does not belong to them
*ANYONE TURNING IN GUNS WILL BE REWARDED $1000
JUST IMAGINE THE NUMBER OF BROKE PEOPLE WHO KNOW WHERE A GUN IS, WHAT THEY GOING TO DO
EVEN ME
I WOULD WANT THAT 1000 DOLLARS
i think it would be a great investment towards the eradication of crime. please reach out to the necessary department with this info