Earlier this morning at approximately 1:24 am, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Paddy Wagon Irish Pub, 2681 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, regarding a physical altercation outside of that location. Additionally, there were reports of gunshots with two people sustaining injuries.
Once Deputies arrived, it was determined that a 31 year old female was struck by gunfire in the hand and a 22 year old male was struck in the back by gunfire. These injuries were later determined not to be life threatening. The assailant fled the scene in a vehicle and was accompanied by two other individuals. The female also reported that her personal cellphone was forcibly taken from her by the shooter.
Cooperating witnesses, to include patrons and employees of the establishment, were able to provide arriving Deputies with an accurate description of the suspect vehicle, that being a Mercedes Benz SUV, white in color. That vehicle was quickly located in the immediate area where Deputies were able to detain three male suspects after a traffic stop.
Based on witness statements and observations, as well as video surveillance from the Pub, Sheriff’s Investigators were able to identify the shooter as one of the males detained in that Mercedes Benz SUV. He was identified as Enoch Rogers, dob 12/23/1991. His current Mug Shot is not available as of this writing.
The investigation revealed that the victims had no relationship with Rogers and were merely victims of random gunfire as a result of the disturbance.
Rogers was subsequently charged with two counts of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Armed Robbery by Sudden Snatching and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and is being held there at this time.
~ The quick apprehension of this dangerous felon was due to the cooperating patrons and employees of the Paddy Wagon Irish Pub and the quick response of my Deputies. Together they were able to make this arrest and remove this man from our community ~
Sheriff Bill Prummell
Major Crime Unit Detectives are continuing their investigation into this matter. They request that if you have information concerning this incident to please contact them at 941-639-2101.