West Palm Beach police have arrested Carlos Anthony Palmer, 42, of West Palm Beach, in connection with the shooting of an unidentified man early Sunday at the Empire Lounge. Palmer is facing a charge of attempted murder with a firearm and is being held at the Palm Beach County jail without bail.
Shooting at Empire Lounge
The shooting occurred at Village Square Shopping Plaza on 45th Street, just west of Village Boulevard, around 8:15 a.m. on Sunday. According to the arrest report, the victim’s wife called dispatch after her husband was shot at the club. The lounge rents out space for special events, including a birthday party held the previous night.
Victim’s Condition and Investigation
The unidentified man was found suffering from six bullet wounds, multiple leg, and hip fractures. Police obtained surveillance video from the area, which led them to learn that the victim was upset that his $6,000 gold chain had been stolen. During a verbal altercation with two men, he pushed two of them with one hand in the chest area, and a Black male, later identified as Palmer, attempted to take one of the unknown male’s firearms, but Palmer did not receive the firearm.
Palmer then walked through the parking lot and towards his Nissan, where he opened fire on the victim after a man attempted to calm the situation. Police received an anonymous tip stating that the shooter was Palmer and that his Mercedes was identified in the surveillance video.
The victim is currently in fair condition at St. Mary’s Medical Center, and Palmer made his first court appearance on Saturday morning. His next hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on April 17.