GIFFORD — The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in the drive-by shooting that occurred on March 30, which authorities believe sparked the subsequent shooting at Smith Grocery Easter Sunday.
Investigators arrested 27-year-old Marquis Wright on outstanding warrants for attempted second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Wright turned himself in at the Sheriff’s Office after learning of the arrest warrants, according to authorities.
The Sheriff’s Office said the victim from the March 30 shooting in the 4400 block of 34th Court was not available for interviews until April 8 as he was recovering from surgery at the Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.
The victim told investigators that he had received a threatening phone call from a person later identified as Wright. A short time later, Wright showed up at the 34th Court residence and the two became involved in a verbal disturbance over one or more women.
The victim told investigators that he ran from Wright when Wright displayed a handgun. The victim ran to a neighbor’s house before realizing he had been shot.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the shooting might have stemmed from an altercation at the Shake Your Booty nightclub earlier in the day. As it is, authorities believe the shooting may have sparked the incident outside Smith Grocery the night of Easter Sunday.
The Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the Smith Grocery shooting.