Kent, WA — What began as a late-night scuffle outside a Kent bar erupted into gunfire that left two men gravely wounded, one of whom later lost his leg. Investigators say the violence unfolded in the early hours of December 9, 2023, after the Inn Between Pub closed and groups lingered in the parking lot.
According to Kent Police, a fight broke out between a group that included Omari Sampson, William Coleman, Antwainette Davis, Alexis Collins, and another bar patron, Racquel Bradley. As tensions escalated, a man known by the nickname “Tubby”, later identified by multiple witnesses as Jermain Laquon Delgardo, 35, of Kent, approached with a handgun. Witnesses say Delgardo pointed the weapon at the victims and struck Davis in the face during the confrontation.
Gunfire Captured on Video
Police say surveillance video and cellphone footage show the moment the altercation turned deadly. As Coleman attempted to defend the group with Sampson’s legally owned handgun, Delgardo opened fire. In the exchange, Sampson was struck multiple times, later requiring the amputation of his right leg and finger, while Coleman suffered a shattered femur. Doctors were unable to remove several bullet fragments lodged in both men’s bodies.
Detectives also discovered evidence of a second shooter, known only as “Rambo”, who appeared on video firing from another direction. Investigators recovered three sets of shell casings: .40 caliber believed to have come from Delgardo, .45 caliber tied to Sampson’s firearm, and 9mm rounds linked to the unknown gunman.
In the aftermath, Delgardo allegedly sent cryptic text messages from an iCloud account linked to his nickname “Bishop.” Witnesses and video evidence confirmed his identity, and police later matched him to his Department of Licensing photo. Detectives say Delgardo, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 250 pounds, fit the description given by those at the scene.
Investigation Continues
While Sampson and Coleman continue to recover from their injuries, police are still searching for “Rambo”, the unidentified second shooter. Detectives believe he and Delgardo arrived at the scene together.
Delgardo faces potential charges stemming from the shooting, though investigators have not yet confirmed when an arrest will be made. The case remains under active investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information about Delgardo or the second shooter to come forward.
