Officers from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda have launched a full criminal investigation into a late-night shooting that left two adolescent males with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds over the weekend, law enforcement officials confirmed in a public statement this week.
The incident unfolded at approximately 9:10 p.m. local time on June 27, when emergency dispatch received multiple urgent calls reporting gunfire on South Street in St. John’s, located just outside a local tattoo parlor. First responding patrol officers were dispatched to the scene within minutes to secure the area and provide initial aid to the injured victims.
Initial findings from the ongoing probe outline that the two teenagers were standing on the side of South Street when they encountered two unidentified men approaching from the direction of Goodwin Street. Both suspects were described by witnesses as wearing all-dark clothing, with hooded garments pulled up to fully conceal their facial features. According to preliminary witness accounts, one of the two men drew a firearm and fired multiple rounds directly toward the pair of teenagers before both suspects fled the area on foot.
The two victims – a 16-year-old resident of South Street and a 17-year-old from the nearby Villa neighborhood – were quickly transported by emergency medical services to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for urgent care. Hospital officials have confirmed that while both teens sustained gunshot injuries, none of the wounds are considered life-threatening at this time. Both patients remain under close medical observation at the facility as they continue to receive ongoing treatment for their injuries.
In a public appeal released by the Police Force’s Office of Strategic Communications, law enforcement leadership is urging any member of the public who may have witnessed the shooting, or who holds any information that could help investigators identify and apprehend the two suspects, to come forward immediately. Tipsters can reach the Criminal Investigations Department directly at 462-3913 or 462-3914, or submit anonymous information through the independent Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477). Police officials emphasized that all information provided will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality, and witnesses can choose to remain anonymous if they wish.