Around 7:30 last night a gunman opened fire on West Canal, firing between 8 to 10 shots. By the time the shots had subsided, 38-year-old Jerry Graham was shot in his right foot, right upper leg, and left upper leg. Bernard Bradley had a bullet wound to his shoulder while 20-year-old Jermaine Cattouse had injuries to the right side of his chest and one to the lower back. Both Cattouse and Graham are still hospitalized but Bradley was treated and released. He today told us about his incredible dash for safety.
Keith Swift Reporting,
This morning 59-year-old Bernard Bradley showed us how he threw himself on the ground and ran for cover after gunfire erupted on west canal last night around 7:30. He says he went to Lunkey's Store at 163 West Canal to buy cigarettes.
Bernard Bradley, Shooting Victim
"I came to buy cigarettes at the Chiney when I heard the shots, I hit the floor. I felt a burning here so I realized that I got shot but I laid down still because my daughter and them said I got shot. I didn't get off the ground because I didn't know if more shots would have been fired until afterwards about 5 minutes I went through the alley and then I felt the bullet right here and I took it out."
Keith Swift,
Did you see who shot you?
Bernard Bradley,
"I didn't see anyone. I didn't know from where the shots were fired from."
Keith Swift,
How many shots were fired?
Bernard Bradley,
"I am not quite sure but it could have been eight or nine."
Keith Swift,
Know of any reason why anyone would come and shoot up this place?
Bernard Bradley,
"Well I don't know if it is because some of those young men who hang around. Maybe they and somebody else have a dispute but not me. I don't have anything with them."
Bradley was shot along with two young men - Jeremy Cattouse and Jerry Graham. He says he was just an innocent bystander. CIB Chief Aaron Guzman says it wasn't a random shooting.
Supt. Aaron Guzman,
"Initially the persons who got injured said they knew of no reason why they were shot at and three of them were still in the hospital earlier today but it is the opinion of the Police Department that you don't just get shot at randomly like that and one of fellow suffered some major internal injuries but earlier today, a detective went and interviewed him at the hospital. So as soon as he recovers some more, I am going to go interview him properly. I believe that he will cooperate and let us know more of what transpired out there."
Keith Swift,
Bernard Bradley told me this morning that he simply was an innocent bystander and that he was buying cigarettes and he heard gunshots and he ran on the ground.
Supt. Aaron Guzman,
"Well quite honestly the person who got injured will be the fittest person to assist us initially. But if it is that that is his story, then we will have to record his story as he gave it to us."
Jermaine Cattouse is hospitalized tonight and is listed in a critical but stable condition. Jerry Ingram is listed as stable. Cattouse was reportedly the target since he had recently been threatened.
