Police Arrest Suspect In Connection To April Shooting

Police Arrest Suspect In Connection To April Shooting
Photo by Ditmas Park Corner
Scenes from the April 27 shooting outside Emmanuel Church of God. (Photo by Ditmas Park Corner)

Police have arrested Pierre Celestine in connection with the April 27 shooting outside Emmanuel Church of God, 1365 Flatbush Avenue, that left two dead and four hospitalized.

Gunshots were fired at the large crowd outside the church, many of whom were attending a wake for Jose Robles, around 8:30pm on Monday, April 27, according to officials.

According to police, 35-year-old Celestine was arrested outside his Valley Stream, NY home and a loaded 9mm firearm was found in his possession after arrest. He has been charged with two counts of second degree murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.

Police say the investigation is still ongoing.

Many local elected officials spoke out against gun violence at a rally immediately following the April shooting. There have been 12 homicides in the 70th Precinct so far in 2015, compared with only three in 2014.