PORT ST. LUCIE — Two people have been arrested and a third is wanted in connection with a shooting that left two 19-year-old men from Georgia wounded the evening of May 2 in Port St. Lucie, police said.
Officers responded around 6:36 p.m. to the 1600 Block on Northwest St. Lucie West Boulevard after reports of a shooting, according to the Port St. Lucie Police Department.
When investigators arrived, they found two men suffering gunshot wounds inside a white Tesla. The victims, identified as Antoine Myers and Jermonti Johnson, were taken to separate hospitals. Myers was shot in the head and is in grave condition with a “not very good” outlook, police said. Johnson was shot in the abdomen and is expected to recover.
Police Chief Leo Niemczyk said the victims were visiting Fort Pierce and were friends.
Investigators said the shooting stemmed from what Niemczyk described as a “business transaction” involving cellphones. The victims met the suspects at a Walmart in Fort Pierce and wanted them to buy cellphones for them and then go elsewhere to activate them.
“The victims were involved in some activities of their own and had an interest in having these cellphones not in their name,” Niemczyk said.
At some point, police said, the suspects decided to rob the victims, taking their money and phones instead of activating them. Both victims were shot in the same car.
The investigation involved multiple crime scenes, search warrants and interviews conducted overnight, Niemczyk said.
As a result, police arrested Sharlett Nylay Key, 18, of Port St. Lucie on charges of robbery with a firearm, obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact of attempted murder. Authorities said she was the getaway driver of a gold Chevy Cruze.
Martravious Aaron Blue Jr., 19, of Fort Pierce was arrested on charges of attempted second-degree murder, robbery with a firearm and grand theft.
Police said 18-year-old Norrien Morris Casminski of Fort Pierce is believed to be the shooter and remains at large. He is wanted on charges of attempted second-degree murder and robbery with a firearm. Casminski has a criminal history including burglary, grand theft and violation of probation. Police consider him dangerous and potentially armed.
Authorities said the incident appears to be isolated and not random.
“These gentlemen were not involved in productive activity,” Niemczyk said. “When you live that type of lifestyle and you engage with other people who have criminal histories and pasts to do bidding for you, I think you’re taking unnecessary risks.”
Authorities said they are continuing to pursue leads as the investigation remains active. The firearm has not been located.
Jack Lemnus is a TCPalm enterprise reporter. Contact him at jack.lemnus@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1345, or follow him on X @JackLemnus.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: 2 arrested, 1 sought in Port St. Lucie shooting
Reporting by Jack Lemnus, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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