Detectives have admitted they may have little hope of capturing a suspect wanted in connection with a Black Country nightclub shooting almost three years ago. Ricardo Mendez, from Walsall, is believed to have fled the country following the attack, which took place at MJ's Bar in Wednesbury in August 2023.
The Shooting Incident
Shots were fired by Shaquille Blake at the bar and grill in shocking scenes of violence. Demehl Thomas was struck in the abdomen and left badly hurt. Blake was later jailed for 34 years after being found guilty of attempted murder, having initially fled to Dubai. He was arrested upon his return to the UK, but detectives have never managed to catch up with Mendez, who is suspected of being involved and continues to enjoy his freedom.
Police Appeal
West Midlands Police continues to appeal for information that could help them track Mendez down, nearly three years after the shooting. The force revealed last year that it was working with various agencies in a bid to find him, but he remains on the run. Victim Mr Thomas was lucky to survive after being gunned down at the venue. He turned up at Walsall Manor Hospital with a gunshot wound, and police were subsequently alerted.
WMP said in a public appeal: "The 33-year-old from Walsall is believed to have left the country shortly after a shooting at MJs Bar Wednesbury in August 2023. We're working with various agencies to try and locate him, and we're keen to hear from anyone with information which could help us."
Anyone with information can contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat on their website or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 20/703260/23. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Court Proceedings
During Blake's trial, Prosecutor John O'Higgins said: "This was not an accidental or reckless act. It was the deliberate shooting of a man intending to kill him or at the very least intending to cause him really serious harm. What do you expect to happen if you shoot somebody in the main part of his body?"
