Oct. 2 (UPI) — Federal prosecutors have arrested and charged an alleged gang member in connection with a mass shooting at a Brooklyn nightclub in mid-August.
Three people were killed and 10 were injured early Aug. 17, when a shooting erupted at the Taste of the City lounge in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y. Authorities said there were at least four shooters.
The indictment announced Wednesday alleges that Elijah Roy, also known as Eli Spice and Swervo, was among those who opened fire during the shooting, but was charged with assault in aid of racketeering and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
Prosecutors alleged he is a member of the 5-9 Brims, a subset of the Bloods street gang.
Roy was arrested Sept. 18 in North Carolina.
In the early hours of Aug. 17, Roy is alleged to have been present at the lounge with Marvin St. Louis and other members of the 5-9 Brims. Members of the 5-9 Brims rival gang, the Folk Nation Gangster Disciples, were also present.
At about 3 a.m., the two gangs exchanged fire, killing St. Louis of the 5-9 Brims and Jamel Childs of the Gangster Disciples.
“Roy then proceeded to shoot back towards where Childs and the group of GDs were standing,” the Justice Department said in a release.
Prosecutors said that within six seconds, more than 40 shots had been fired, killing St. Louis, Childs and a third, unidentified person.
“As alleged, the defendant and other associates of a violent gang unleashed gunfire in the middle of a crowded bar, creating a killing zone that, in a matter of seconds, left three people dead and 10 victims wounded,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said in a statement.
“Such a flagrant disregard for human life will not go unpunished and this prosecution underscores the resolve of our office and law enforcement to eradicate gangs in the district.”
