Two charged over St Kitts and Nevis football match 'gun incident'

Two men have been charged after a shooting incident at a football game on Saturday night caused panic among players and spectators.

One man was injured but it was later found that the suspect had fired a pellet gun and not a loaded firearm.

Lewis Powell and Dequan Maloney, both of Upper Shaw’s Avenue, are charged with causing grievous bodily harm and making use of a firearm to commit a felony.

At around 7.30pm on 27 May, during the St Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) match between Cayon Rockets and Rams Village Superstars, the two men were alleged to have approached the eastern side of Warner Park.

Reports state that football fans a weapon revealed by one of the men, who then shot three times at someone in the crowd.

Man targeted

The game was abandoned because of the incident, and a later game cancelled. Both were played the following day.

Local media reports have named the shooter’s supposed target, who was injured while trying to escape the chaos but only grazed by a pellet.

Both men were arrested later on Saturday night.

Writing online, the football association said: “The SKNFA condemns the unfortunate incident that occurred at Warner Park on Saturday night and wishes to inform football patrons , sponsors, stakeholders and members, that we are in the process of working with the police high command to advance the investigations and to bring those involved to justice.”

The police service expressed appreciation to those who helped in the investigation.

Head of the Violent Crimes Unit, Inspector Mackie Smith, said, “It is this type of support that brings investigations forward, persons provided what information they had, and helped us to build a case.

“I encourage the public to continue. Together we can make a difference."