WORCESTER - A 27-year-old Fitchburg man has been charged with shooting a man outside the Riviera Showclub at 241 Southbridge St. early Sunday morning.
Police said John Mendez tried to pass the gun to a friend after shooting a man twice in the legs outside the strip club shortly after 1:30 a.m.
The man who was shot was taken by ambulance to UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus. Police on Sunday did not release the victim’s name or condition.
An off-duty police officer working a detail at the club said he saw Mr. Mendez pass a firearm to a companion, Alexander Vera, 25, of Fitchburg, who placed the gun in his waistband.
Mr. Vera, who had a firearm license issued by Fitchburg police, said he had fired the weapon himself, and Mr. Mendez claimed never to have touched the weapon, police said.
However, security footage that captured the event and the detail officer’s own observations contradicted Mr. Mendez’s account, police said.
Mr. Mendez, of 24 Boutelle St., Fitchburg, was charged with armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm, discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and larceny of a firearm, police said. He was being held Sunday on $50,000 bail, according to police.
Mr. Vera, of 62 North St., Fitchburg, was charged with misleading a police investigation. He was being held Sunday on $20,000 bail, according to police.
Welcome the the east coast. Populated by the stupid. Why would your bring a weapon to the club and how did he get it inside. Most clubs have a zero weapons policy. Titties, booze, teasing girls, and stupid is a recipe for disaster. Remember there is only one cure for stupid.