10pm Tuesday: Arrest in Shooting
UPDATE 2/7/12 @ 9 p.m.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The search for an alleged gunman ended quickly Tuesday when he called police to turn himself in.
Police were looking for the man they believe was involved in a shooting outside the Kickback Lounge on the West Side early Sunday morning.
Douglas Wesley Jr. is charged with one count of attempted murder and two counts of wanton endangerment. Wesley is also known as “Dougie,” “Dougie Fresh,” and “Fresh.”
When WSAZ.com asked him about the shooting, he denied knowing what happened. He also said he didn’t have a gun.
Still, police say he gave them a call after hearing he was wanted in connection with the shooting.
"The key is to get the person in here. And, if you're willing to turn yourself in with whatever officer you know, that works out just fine," Cpl. Keith Peoples says.
When asked why he called, Wesley said, "Because I have a daughter that I've got to be home to."
But, that did not happen.
The magistrate set his bond at $100,000 cash.
Police say Wesley tried to rob Larry Crews outside the Kickback Lounge and ended up shooting him twice.
When Crews got in his car, police say Wesley shot at him again, almost hitting two women.
Crews has been in the hospital since Sunday morning. Officials at CAMC say he was listed in fair condition Tuesday night.
WSAZ.com asked Wesley, "So what have you told the police about what happened?"
He said, "I just told them what I've seen, and that was it."
WSAZ.com responded, "So was that much? You said you couldn't remember a lot of what happened that night."
Wesley said, "I mean, I saw everything that happened. I don't know why it happened, or what was going on or whatever."
Though what police say happened this weekend would worry anyone, some neighbors who live near the bar say they've been worried about crime happening outside of it for a while.
Bob Redman says he finally got so fed up he moved out of Charleston.
"I love Charleston. I hated to leave Charleston. But, it was a decision by my family to move out and get out of harm's way,” Redman says.
He says he'd like to have seen the bar's owner do more about the problems.
But, she says the bar is not the reason these kinds of crimes are happening in the neighborhood.
"There are some things that transpire on the West Side. But, I can't keep constantly taking the blame because whether I'm here or not, whether this bar exists or not, unfortunately these things are going to transpire over here," says Talishia Johannes, who owns the Kickback Lounge.
Douglas J. Wesley Jr., 23, of Charleston has been arrested in connection with the case. He is expected to be arraigned on the charges Tuesday afternoon at Kanawha County Magistrate Court.
Investigators say a camera at a nearby business captured a suspect firing at Larry Crews. The victim was hit twice in the lower body, but is expected to be okay.
We have a crew at the arraignment. Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.
Police say shots were fired early Sunday morning in the 900-block of Central Avenue on Charleston's West Side.
It happened near the Kick Back Lounge, leaving the owner fed up with the violence.
"We heard a continuous pow, pow, pow, which was really frightening," owner Talisha Johannes said. "Whether I'm here or not, whether this bar exists or not, unfortunately these things are going to transpire over here."
It's proof lights, camera and a big sign may not be enough to stop the crime on the street as police investigate another shooting in this part of town.
"At this point, we're still sorting through the facts trying to figure out exactly who shot who and what caused the shooting," Lieutenant Steve Cooper said.
Caught on camera, investigators say a nearby business captured a suspect firing at Larry Crews outside the bar. Police say he was hit twice in the lower body.
Who pulled the trigger is still a mystery, however, police did arrest Cameron Crews, the cousin of the victim. Police say Cameron Crews is a convicted drug dealer and was seen on camera hiding a stolen handgun near the bar. He was charged with possession of a deadly weapon.
"Two o'clock in the morning not very often do we get that kind of good information where there's an actual eyewitness who's not actually related to the crime itself," Lt. Cooper said.
Location may be everything, convincing the bar's owner to post signs explaining there are no drugs or weapons allowed and searches can happen at any time. It's a message that she says clearly explains what she won't tolerate.
"We want it to be a safe neighborhood," Johannes said. "We're running an honest, clean business here."
Meanwhile, police are still trying to figure out a motive for the shooting. They say they do believe the victim was the target and it was not random.
Anyone with information should call the Criminal Investigative Division of Charleston Police at 304-348-6480.
Keep clicking WSAZ.com for the latest information.
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