5 arrested in Easter Sunday shooting outside St. Pete sports bar

Arrests in Easter Sunday shooting in St. Pete

St. Petersburg Police arrested multiple suspects in a shooting that left four people hurt outside a sports bar on Easter Sunday. Investigators say the men are connected to rapper Rodarius Green, also known as "Rod Wave."

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Police in St. Petersburg announced they have arrested all five suspects sought in a shooting that injured four people last weekend.

In a news conference on Wednesday, Police Chief Anthony Holloway said investigators tracked down Kevontre Wesby, Keith Wesby and Christopher Atkins in Manatee County. They were searching for the two other suspects in the shooting at that time, but police announced Thursday morning they turned themselves in.

The investigation began on Easter Sunday when police say several men connected to a group that calls itself "Young Gangsters," or YGs, fired shots into a crowd outside the Sonic Sports Bar and Lounge off 49th Street South. More than 60 shell casings were found at the scene, according to Chief Holloway.

Police say the Young Gangsters have strong ties to rapper Rodarius Green, also known as "Rod Wave," and live in homes registered in his name. The arrests in this case came after police went to two of those homes, with police saying the group is tied to shooting and drug trafficking investigations dating back to March 2022.

Officers also found five rifles, five handguns, ammunition and more than $10,000 in cash, along with several pieces of jewelry during their investigation.

All four victims are expected to survive. Holloway says the victims did not know the shooters and were "in the wrong place at the wrong time." Six vehicles were also hit by gunfire.

On Wednesday night at around 7:45 p.m., the two outstanding suspects turned themselves in to the Pinellas County Jail.

Elias Torres, 32, was charged with principal to attempt murder second-degree, and Willie Cookinson, 24, was charged with attempted murder in the second degree and felon in possession.

Four of the five suspects face attempted second-degree murder charges. Kevontre Wesby is also charged with carrying a concealed firearm and delinquent in possession of a firearm.

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