A domino game in Estate Bovoni was allegedly interrupted by gunfire on Christmas morning. One man was taken to the Roy L. Schneider Hospital with a non-fatal head wound, according to police.
The next day court records said the victim was treated and released the same day. Police were called to the emergency room at Schneider Hospital around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, where they said they were able to speak to the victim and a witness to the shooting.
According to the report filed in Superior Court, the witness said the alleged assailant brandished a firearm as he approached the players and aimed at the victim, but the weapon misfired on the first attempt. The witness said he tried to intervene, but a shot went off, resulting in a gunshot wound to the victim’s face.
Later in the day on Monday, police said they made contact with a relative of the shooting victim, who offered a clue about the alleged shooter’s whereabouts. On Tuesday, a suspect identified as Shak-I Ward was apprehended near the Bovoni housing community.
He was advised of his rights on Wednesday at a hearing before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Simone Van Holten-Turnbull. Among the charges upheld by the magistrate were first- and third-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm, evidence of intent to commit a violent crime, simple assault, disturbance of the peace and reckless endangerment.
Bail was set at $100,000 and Ward was ordered to appear for arraignment at 10 a.m. on Jan. 12.
