The manhunt continues for a suspect in an unusual double shooting Tuesday night in Meridian, in which one victim may be left paralyzed from the waist down, according to police.
The shooting took place about 10:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Cherry Lane apartment complex in the 300 block of East Gruber Street.
Officers have identified the suspect as Marco Romero, 33, of Nampa.
According to witnesses, Romero and the victims knew each other. “There were about six people in the home at the time, simply sitting around visiting,” said Meridian Police Department Deputy Tracy Basterrechea. “The suspect was invited in, then just pulled out a gun and started shooting.”
Multiple shots were fired.
A man and a woman, both 29, were hit by bullets. The man’s injuries are believed to be non life-threatening.
“The female was shot in the chest, with one of the bullets nicking her spine,” stated Basterrechea. The woman was transported to a local hospital, where she is listed in serious, but stable condition, he added.
Romero was last seen fleeing the area on foot.
The suspect is now on Crimestoppers Most Wanted List. “Due to the fact of his violent and erratic behavior (one of the witnesses told us he had been acting erratically earlier in the week), we do believe he is armed and dangerous,” Basterrechea said.
Romero was last seen wearing jeans and a black T-shirt.
Romero has a history of drug use, Basterrechea stated.
It is unknown if Romero left the scene in a vehicle. “No one saw a vehicle,” he added.
However, even following media coverage of the shooting, no one has come forward with additional information.
If you’ve seen Romero or know of his whereabouts, you are urged to call the Meridian Police Department at 888-6678 or Crimestoppers at 3-4-3 COPS.
