New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
This morning at approximately 1:30am north end officers responded to Jalice Café located at 1468 Acushnet Ave. regarding a shooting. At the scene they found two people who had been shot. One in the elbow and one in the lower leg. Neither injury is life threatening. The male who had been shot in the elbow was taken to Rhode Island Hospital. (All other victims were treated at St. Luke’s Hospital.)
Within the next several minutes, 5 more victims made their way to St. Luke’s Hospital on their own. All victims were suffering from injuries to the lower legs and these too were not life threatening.
It appears that Jalice Café had a DJ promoted event that got out of control. A nearby business was struck by gunfire. There were 5 shell casings in the street and another 5 casings on the sidewalk adjacent to the establishment. Empty plastic cups littered the front and side lot of the business.
Initial reports indicate that a patron may have come outside of the business to find a drink on his vehicle. He then slapped it away and it struck another patron. This turned into a pushing and shoving match which led to the shots being fired.
4 males and 3 females were shot. All New Bedford residents. All of the victims were in their 20’s with the exception of a male who was 19 years of age. Due to the size of the crowd in attendance it is unknown at this time if he had ever been in the establishment.
Both police chief David Provencher and New Bedford mayor John Mitchell will be pushing for swift action from the liquor licensing board.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Det. William Westgate at 508-991-6300 ext. 136.
