A well-known member of the Bloods gang was arrested on Wednesday following a dramatic, video-recorded shooting incident at a hookah lounge in Brooklyn, which resulted in three fatalities and ten injuries, according to federal prosecutors.
Elijah “Eli Spice” Roy, 25, an “associate” of the 5-9 Brims Bloods faction, is accused of being involved in a deadly altercation against rival gang members at the busy Taste of the City Lounge on August 17, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella remarked, “This blatant disregard for life will not be overlooked, and this prosecution highlights our determination to combat gang violence in the region. It is my hope that this arrest provides some solace to the families of the victims and those who continue to deal with the aftermath of this tragic event.”
Nocella noted that the gang members transformed the crammed club into a “kill zone”, unleashing over 40 rounds in just six seconds.
Heart-pounding video footage reveals three members of the 5-9 Brims entering the packed lounge before firing at a group of rivals across the room, who then return fire as patrons scramble for safety.
Marvin St. Louis, identified by federal sources as one of the 5-9 Brims members, was killed in the incident.
Federal prosecutors indicate that Roy and fellow gang members entered the lounge around 3 a.m., where they recognized members of the rival Folk Nation Gangster Disciples, including Jamel Childs, who also lost his life during the shooting.
Stay informed with the latest news
The Morning Report offers the latest updates, videos, images, and more.
Thank you for subscribing!
Roy fled New York City to North Carolina after the shootout and was apprehended by federal agents on September 18.
Prosecutors report that he has been named in an unsealed indictment, charged with assault in aid of racketeering and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch commented on the charges against Elijah Roy, stating, “These charges represent a vital advancement in our efforts to dismantle violent street gangs plaguing our neighborhoods with illegal weapons. Alleged associates of the 5-9 Brims Gang ravaged a crowded club, turning it into a scene of horror when they opened fire on their adversaries.”
