Police: Three Charged in Suspected Gang-Related Shooting

(File photograph)

Editor’s note: This story contains updated information.

Police have arrested a total of three suspects in a case of suspected gang-related retaliation for the shooting last month at Swasey Field.

Juan Marte, 18, and Mario Acosta, 20, both of Haverhill, are scheduled for arraignment in Haverhill District Court. Police did not provide addresses for either man.

Arrested Wednesday at 6:30 a.m., Marte was charged with armed assault with intent to murder, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building and unlawful possession of a firearm. Acosta was charged with armed assault with intent to murder, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful carrying of a dangerous weapon, a machete.

The third suspect, Eddy Almonte, 25, of Ford Street, was ordered held without bail at his arraignment Tuesday in Haverhill District Court on charges of armed assault with intent to murder, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, unlawful possession of a firearm and obstructing a police investigation.

The investigation began Thursday when police responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 70 Temple St. Police had responded to the area about 5:30 p.m. for reports of gunshots. Almonte’s arrest came Tuesday morning, as WHAV previously reported.

According to a statement on the investigation, a man, whom police have not identified, was standing near 70 Temple St. Thursday, and was approached by three men, who shot at him. The intended victim was not shot, but a vehicle the victim was standing near was struck. Witnesses said the three men ran away, Haverhill police Capt. Robert P. Pistone said.

Pistone credited excellent police work by first responders, Haverhill detectives, “who put many hours into successfully putting the pieces of evidence together,” and law enforcement partners including Massachusetts state Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, U.S. Marshals and Homeland Security.