ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Authorities from three law enforcement agencies have arrested a second suspect involved in a shooting that left the other suspect wounded and abandoned near the Vero Beach County Club in June.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, arrested Kadarius Powell, 21, in Ft. Pierce Thursday.
“Our detectives were able to identify and obtain arrest warrants for these subjects thanks to help from members of the community and witnesses who worked closely with law enforcement,” Sheriff Deryl Loar said. “This type of cooperation is our continued goal in protecting the community and bringing these offenders to justice. We also appreciate the hard work of the fugitive task force and are proud to be involved in that partnership.”
Powell was served with two Indian River County warrants issued on charges of robbery with a weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Powell and another suspect, Renard Paul, 21, were involved in an attempted robbery in Gifford on June 24, during which the men displayed firearms. A struggle ensued and both Powell and Paul fired guns at the victims.
One of the victims, who has not been identified, had legal possession of his own firearm and returned fire in self-defense, striking Paul twice in the shoulder and once in the right leg, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Paul and Powell fled the scene, and according to Sheriff Deryl Loar’s remarks immediately following the incident, they got lost on their way to the Indian River Medical Center. Paul was dropped off near the Vero Beach Country Club where onlookers called 9-1-1 and provided assistance until emergency crews arrived to take him to the hospital.
Paul was later taken to the Lawnwood Regional Medical Center for treatment where he was ultimately arrested for his involvement in the robbery, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Powell has been booked into the St. Lucie County Jail and is being held in lieu of $600,000 bond on the two Indian River County warrants.
