Gunman Fired Weapon Into Ceiling Of VFW During Private Event: Police

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — No one was seriously injured during a terrifying few moments at an event hall in Dutchess County.

On Friday, at 3:02 p.m., members of the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department responded to the VFW post on Violet Avenue for a report of shots fired.

When officers arrived, they were informed that during a private event at the hall, a man had discharged a handgun into the ceiling inside the VFW. The man then fled from the location running west, according to witnesses.

A short time later, officers spotted a man matching the description of the suspect on Buckingham Avenue and took him into custody. A handgun was also recovered, according to police.

Authorities identified the suspect as Jackqwell Maurice Clarke, of Harrells, North Carolina. The 29-year-old was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment. He was held to appear for arraignment in the Town of Poughkeepsie Justice Court on March 8.

The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department was assisted at the scene by members of the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, The New York State Police, and the Hyde Park Police Department.

Ambulances from the Fairview Fire Department and Empress Ambulance Service were staged.

This incident is still under investigation, according to police. Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to contact the Town of Poughkeepsie Detective Division at 845-485-3666