In the early hours of Sunday, September 27, a violent shooting incident shook the Villa neighborhood of Antigua and Barbuda, leaving a local man wounded and prompting a swift law enforcement response that has already put two suspects behind bars. The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda confirmed the developments in an official media statement released Monday, September 28, 2026.
The victim of the attack has been identified as 47-year-old Dennis Francis, a resident of E.A. Stephen Street, Villa. According to preliminary accounts of the incident compiled by investigators, the shooting unfolded at approximately 3:40 a.m. as Francis was walking along Gordon Street in the area. Three unidentified men travelling in a silver Toyota Vitz approached Francis, police reports state. All three attackers were dressed in full dark clothing, leading investigators to believe the incident may have been pre-planned.
Faced with the unexpected confrontation, Francis attempted to flee the scene to escape harm. It was during this attempted escape that gunfire was exchanged, and Francis was struck by at least one bullet. He suffered penetrating gunshot wounds to his lower back and abdomen, and emergency responders were called to the scene immediately. Emergency Medical Services transported the injured man quickly to the territory’s main public healthcare facility, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, for urgent treatment.
As of Monday, authorities have confirmed that Francis’s condition is listed as stable, and his wounds are not considered life-threatening. He remains in hospital receiving care while investigators continue to piece together the full circumstances of the attack.
In a notable win for rapid law enforcement, the Royal Police Force announced that two male suspects connected to the shooting were taken into police custody within just 24 hours of the incident occurring. Both suspects are currently cooperating with officers as the Criminal Investigations Department continues its ongoing inquiry into the attack.
Investigators have not yet released further details about the suspects’ identities or potential motives for the shooting, as the case remains active. To advance the inquiry, law enforcement officials are issuing a public appeal for any community members who may have information related to the incident to step forward. Anyone who witnessed the early-morning attack, has knowledge of the suspects or the silver vehicle involved, or can offer any other details that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department directly at 462-3913 or 462-3914. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crimestoppers at 800-TIPS (8477), or individuals can reach out to the nearest local police station to share information.
The Royal Police Force has confirmed that it will release additional public updates as the investigation progresses, once more details are confirmed and cleared for release.