Updated: Nov. 11, 2012, 7:36 p.m.
Vernon detectives are investigating an overnight shooting incident at a local watering hole.
On Sunday at 2:09 a.m., a Vernon police officer patrolling the area of Kelly Road heard the sounds of gunshots coming from the area of the Free Spirit Café, located at 341 Kelly Rd., according to a news release.
The officer immediately went to the Free Spirit to investigate and found a large crowd "scattering" in the parking lot, and several vehicles leaving the area. Several Vernon police officers responded and the scene was secured, according to a news release.
Vernon detectives were called to the scene.
Detectives said a preliminary investigation indicates that at closing time, a dark-colored, mid-size sedan was backing out of a parking space when it struck another vehicle, possibly a dark purple or blue mid-size foreign vehicle and possibly a Nissan or Toyota, according to a news release.
The vehicle that struck the parked car continued to drive away and was attempting to leave the scene, according to a news release.
A group of people began chasing after the car, and as the vehicle left the parking lot, a man took out a semi-automatic handgun and began firing shots at the vehicle, according to a news release.
Multiple shots were fired as the vehicle left the scene and began heading eastbound on Kelly Road, according to a news release.
The vehicle is believed to have sustained damage from the accident and may have been struck with a bullet, according to a news release.
The suspected shooter is described as a white or Hispanic male of thin build, approximately 5-foot-10.
The suspect fled the scene with two other men in the dark purple or blue mid-size foreign vehicle, possibly a Toyota or Nissan, the same vehicle that had been struck in the lot, according to a news release.
That vehicle also had been heading eastbound on Kelly Road, according to a news release.
Police said an investigation is being conducted by Vernon detectives. Anyone witnessing the incident or has any information is urged to call 860-872-9126.
•
Here is an update provided by Det. James Grady at 4:13 p.m. on Sunday.
"Vernon Police Detectives continue to investigate the early morning shooting that occurred at the Free Spirit Café, located at 341 Kelly Road," Grady said.
Grady said that a better description of the suspect was obtained: The suspect wanted for the Sunday shooting incident at the Free Spirit is described as a dark-skinned, Hispanic male, about 26 years old, approximately 5-foot-6 with a thin build. The suspect was wearing a navy blue New York Yankees hat. The suspect was wearing jeans, a dark-colored sweatshirt and a dark-colored jacket.
According to a news release, Vernon detectives are seeking two other people wanted for questioning who were with the shooter, and they are described as the following:
• A light-skinned Hispanic male, approximately 27 or 28 years old, approximately 5-foot-9 with a heavy, stocky build. He was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.
• A light-skinned Hispanic male with a goatee, approximately 24 years old, approximately 5-foot-6 and slim build.
The three are believed to have fled the bar in a blue, mid-size foreign vehicle, possibly a Nissan or Toyota and were last seen heading eastbound on Kelly Road.
Detectives are still asking anyone with information to call 860-872-9126. Callers can remain anonymous by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at 860-872-9126 ext. 7301.
