Police Identify Suspect In New Bedford Bar Attack

NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS - Police are hunting this morning for an armed suspect who shot two people and slashed another inside a popular gay nightclub.
The incident occurred about midnight inside the Puzzles Lounge on North Front Street. A bartender, who asked that his name not be used because he feared for his life, said a man armed with a hatchet, a machete, and a handgun attacked patrons before he fled the bar.
Police, who plan a press conference this morning, identified the suspect as Jacob D. Robida, 18, of New Bedford, and said he is wanted for three counts of attempted murder. He is described as wearing a black trench coat, and was last seen driving a 1999 green Pontiac Grand Am with a Massachusetts license plate, 85E-C58.
The bartender said the man came into the bar, ordered a drink, and asked if it was a gay bar. He was told that it was.
A few minutes later, the man drifted to the rear of the bar where two patrons were playing pool, the bartender said.
Moments later, the suspect began attacking the men playing pool, pulled out a hatchet and attacked one patron, the bartender said. Another patron who tried to intervene was attacked with the hatchet.
The bartender said a group of patrons wrestled the man to the ground, but he pulled out a gun. He said the gunman fired one round in the air and then started shooting at the patrons. Police said two men were shot in the torso and one man suffered deep lacerations to this head. Two of the victims are being treated at Boston hospitals and another is being treated at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.
The suspect fired several more shots and was running towards the door when the bartender said he confronted him. The bartender said the suspect pointed a gun at his face and fired, but the weapon misfired. The suspect then ran outside and escaped.
from The Boston Globe