Police ID daytime Flint shooter; link him to July shooting

FALL RIVER — Police have identified the person they say is responsible for the daytime shooting in the Flint neighborhood last week, while also linking him to another shooting in July.

According to police Johny Rios, 23, has been identified as the shooter in the Oct. 29 incident in the area of Thomas and Pleasant streets. Police said their investigation has also led them to believe that Rios was the shooting in a daytime shooting on Rocliffe Street that happened in July.

Police responded to the Flint neighborhood around 10 a.m. after a man suffering from a gunshot wound sought help at Gilbert's Jewlers. At the time police called the shooting a “targeted act of violence amongst otherwise known individuals.”

The investigation into the most recent shooting was lead by Detective Luis Vertentes but involved members of the Major Crimes Division and Special Operations Division Gang Unit, police said.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Rios is asked to contact Detective Vertentes at 508-324-2796. Anonymous Tips are accepted through use of the TIP line by calling 508-672-TIPS.