By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
POLICE were forced to shut down the 41st Independence Day People’s Love and Unity Junkanoo Rush Out yesterday morning following a shooting incident that left three males in hospital, Assistant Commissioner of Police Leon Bethel said. The rush out started shortly after 1am.
According to police reports, the incident happened around 4.30am at George Street, in downtown Nassau, where three men were each shot by a man armed with a handgun. The suspect later fled on foot.
The Tribune understands that 39-year-old Roland Cunningham was shot once on the right side; Emile Sweeting,15, of Palm Avenue was shot once to the upper right thigh; and Cordero Mcdonald, 21, of Whylly Close, was shot twice to the left hand.
With the suspect still at large at the time, ACP Bethel said authorities moved to end the festivities as the welfare of thousands of attending Bahamians was thought to be compromised. A short time later, police said a 21-year-old from Pyfrom Road was arrested and is being questioned regarding the matter.
ACP Bethel said: “We were very concerned with the public’s safety. There were a large number of police at the People’s Rush Out. We know there were a few thousand people attending. Our major concern was that the person responsible was still on the loose at the time. So about 15 minutes after the shooting occurred we shut it down.”
Police yesterday told The Tribune they are searching for a second man who is thought to have been involved.
In other crime news, five persons were arrested by police on Wednesday for various offences. They include one outstanding court warrant, one arrest for abduction, stealing, causing harm, and causing damage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.
Comments
B_I_D___ 10 years, 4 months ago
Silly person...causing some mischief and harm...nothing to worry about, we safe!!
DillyTree 10 years, 4 months ago
So much for love and unity.
So tired of the corruption, crime, and thugs that are ruining this country.
WETHEPEOPLE 10 years, 4 months ago
I agree with you I am tired of it all. But the fact is that because the country is so small, were expecting criminals to govern criminals, which makes no sense at all. corruption run deeps in the country
hurricane 10 years, 4 months ago
This is what happens when you let a bunch of hatians into your country.
digimagination 10 years, 4 months ago
Who said anything about Haitians? May have been a Jammyacian or a Bumhamian amongst others...
DEDDIE 10 years, 4 months ago
I have concluded that the problem in our country are lawyers and by extension politicians. If they can't fix the justice system which they are suppose to be experts at, how in the world we expect them to fix anything else. It could be compared to a lousy plumber trying to give instructions to an electrician. Get rid of the lawyers and you fix half of whats wrong in this country. If this country become law abiding the lawyers stand to lose the most.
John 10 years, 4 months ago
So what happens when Carnival comes in May? If these is a serious crime incident are they going to shut it down after persons have spent hundreds of dollars, maybe thousands to come here? Carnivals are known to be freak shows. They attract pimps, prostitutes, perverts and pickpockets. Is the Bahamas ready for that? What about our young females? Teenage pregnancy is on a decline for the first time in a long time. Will Carnival reverse that trend?
sheeprunner12 10 years, 4 months ago
John.....is anyone concerned about these issues............ its all about the money and the fun in the sun......... its like the Bahamian Christian Church ........ just preach the "happy gospel". Carnival???????????? SMDH
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 4 months ago
Notice that did you? I love Junkanoo, but can't turn around before they call another parade. Keep the people festive and their minds off the state of the country.
John 10 years, 4 months ago
Well they should be. We have enough social problrms as it is without the government spending money to bring the wrong set of people here en mass to create even more.
sheeprunner12 10 years, 4 months ago
Why cant the government see that MORE is not BETTER???????? We want to have too many regattas and homecomings ............... this cheapens the value of the event. There is only ONE Superbowl each year and ONE World Cup every four years. Regattas were better when there was three per year. We need a Bahamas Games once every three years or so and then have a structured Junkanoo "carnival" parade around the traditional Christmas-New Year season.............. thats what we are known for around the world............ not MAY!!!!!! The reason they give for not using December is lame.............. Danny/Perry have some other sham going on
ChaosObserver 10 years, 4 months ago
Wonder if the govt will get the message that enough is enough? Tourist will go to other islands, our neighbors will spend their money some place else, citizens will feel only safe staying home....
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