In the wake of a chaotic Easter Sunday, the St. Petersburg community is grappling with the aftermath of a shooting that left four people injured. The incident, which occurred outside the Sonic Sports Bar and Lounge, has led to the arrest of several men with ties to rapper Rod Wave.
The St. Petersburg Police Department swiftly took action, detaining three individuals connected to the rapper. Kevontre Wesby, Keith Wesby, and Christopher Atkins face serious charges, including attempted second-degree murder. The police are still on the hunt for two additional suspects, signaling that the investigation is far from over.
In a statement that resonates with the community’s sentiment, Police Chief Anthony Holloway expressed the collective weariness over ‘the senseless shooting in our community.’ The shooting not only caused physical harm but also inflicted a deep psychological wound on the community.
The police’s investigation has been thorough, uncovering two residences linked to the suspects, both of which were rented by Rod Wave or one of his businesses. This discovery came to light during a SWAT team’s search warrant execution at a home in St. Pete, where two men were arrested on drug and weapons charges, although the suspected shooter was not found.
The seized items from the investigation paint a troubling picture: five rifles, five handguns, ammunition, over $10,000, and miscellaneous pieces of jewelry. These findings are a stark reminder of the violence that can lurk beneath the surface of any community.
The narrative took a twist when Rod Wave, born Rodarius Green, was wrongfully arrested on a weapons charge based on inaccurate information regarding his status as a convicted felon. His legal team was quick to clarify the mistake, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his subsequent release.
On Thursday morning, the St. Petersburg police announced that two additional suspects surrendered themselves at the Pinellas County Jail.
Elias Torres, 33, faced charges of being an accomplice to attempted second-degree murder, while Willie Cookinson, 24, was charged with attempted second-degree murder and being a felon in possession.
Despite the false start, Rod Wave remains under investigation, not for the shooting itself, but for what was found during the raids on properties associated with him. The Young Gangsters, or YGs, a group involved in drug trafficking and shootings, have been seen with the rapper since last summer, and several members live in homes and drive vehicles registered in his name or his record label’s name.
Assistant Chief Michael Kovacsev’s words during a news conference underscore the gravity of the situation and the hope that Rod Wave will distance himself from individuals involved in such criminal activities. The community and law enforcement alike are eager for a resolution that will bring peace and safety back to the streets of St. Petersburg.
WHile the investigation continues, the St. Pete Police Department remains vigilant, working tirelessly to apprehend those responsible and prevent further violence. The community looks on, hoping for justice and a return to tranquility.
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