Customer shot during gunfire at Fall River bar

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) – Fall River Police are investigating after shots were fired in a local bar and a customer was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound.

Fall River Police say that two suspects, armed with handguns, entered the Latino’s Café on 296 County Street just after midnight on Friday. They then ordered customers and bar staff to turn over their money and cell phones at gunpoint.

During the robbery, the bar owner while being threatened by one of the gunman, took out his licensed revolver in an attempt to defend himself.

According to Fall River Police, the suspect and bar owner fired shots at each other. During the gunfire, a customer at the bar attempted to help the bar owner.

The second gunman fled the bar, and then returned, still armed with a handgun.

Reports say the two suspects then fled the bar but in the process shot the customer who was helping the bar owner.

The customer was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with a gunshot wound to the back. He is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.

The Fall River Police Department is offering a reward for information on this incident and on the identity of the gunman.

Tips can be reported to the Major Crimes Division at (508) 324-2796.