On the last week of August, the Caribbean Festival at Institute Park in Worcester, Massachusetts took an unexpected and grim turn when gunfire was exchanged, leaving a fifteen-year-old and a twenty-three-year-old injured in the crossfire.
Thankfully, there has been a significant breakthrough in the case. According to the Worcester Police Department, yesterday, authorities made a crucial arrest. Omar Molina, the suspect wanted in connection with the Institute Park shooting, was apprehended in Holden, Massachusetts.
The operation in Holden led to Molina's capture and subsequent charging with a series of serious violent and firearms offenses, including Armed Assault with Intent to Murder, Carrying a Loaded Firearm without an LTC (2nd or subsequent offense), and Discharging a Firearm within 500' of a Dwelling.
Officers assigned to the Caribbean Festival event at Institute Park were caught off guard when gunfire erupted from the area of Salisbury and Boynton St. The crowd, comprising festival-goers, scattered in search of safety, and the scene proved to be both dangerous and chaotic.
While both shooting victims were not intentionally targeted, the authorities acknowledged that they were innocent bystanders, caught amid the crossfire not meant for them. Their injuries, thankfully were non-life-threatening, and they were promptly transported to the hospital for medical care. As the investigation continues, this recent arrest may bring some semblance of closure for the injured parties and their families.
Anyone with additional information about the Institute Park shooting is urged to come forward. They may send an anonymous text to 274637 TIPWPD + their message, or submit an anonymous web-based message at worcesterma.gov/police. Calls can also be made to the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at (508) 799-8651.
