“He was a positive person in the community”
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A 33-year-old man was shot and killed in front of a residence off Kemp Road shortly after 12pm yesterday, according to reports.
Alfred Bastian Jr., also known as “Ally” and “half-a-man”, was identified by his father Alfred Bastian Sr.
Police said officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert on Cooper’s Terrace off Kemp Road and found the body of a man lying down unresponsive.
ASP Audley Peters said preliminary reports indicated a group of men was gathering in front of a residence when a small vehicle approached them, four men exited and fired shots into the direction of the crowd.
One of the men was hit and succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
Peters could not indicate at the time whether any other person was injured at the scene. He also could not indicate whether the man was a target.
“We have to canvas the areas,” he said.
“We have to canvas the various health facilities to see who might have been dropped in to confirm the incident that occurred.”
Dozens of people in the community gathered at the scene. Bastian’s mother, who was visibly shaken, had to be escorted to her home by relatives.
Friends and relatives of Bastian remembered him as a “community helper” and “positive person” who was loved and appreciated in the community.
Bastian’s father described the death of his son as a tragedy.
“He was a real young man and you could tell him and he would do anything you want him to do,” he said, as he held back tears.
The father of four lost another son to gun violence nearly three years ago while he was on his way to a funeral.
Peters noted that initial evidence led investigators to gather more information at another site.
He, however, could not advise whether there is CCTV in the area to assist with investigations.
He assured that police are confident the matter will be brought to a close and appealed to members of the public who may have any information to contact CID at 502-9991.
Peters said police plan to launch targeted efforts for the upcoming Christmas season, when there is usually an uptick in crime.
“Our strategies may take a little tweaks and turns but you will see the police presence in the business districts, you will see the police presence near homes because persons are coming home after purchasing gifts and would-be assailants may attempt to attack them,” he said.
Peters encouraged members of the public to be aware of their surroundings and take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves during this holiday season.
“We also encourage them, if they are [cornered] by someone, not to respond in a manner that would cause them to receive injuries,” he added.
“If somebody asks you for an item, give that item away because your life cannot be replaced; that item can be replaced.”
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