SALEM — Salem Police and Massachusetts State Police detectives identified and arrested David Avalo, 25, from Hyde Park, in connection with the shooting of a 26-year-old Lynn man this past Sunday.
Avalo pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Wednesday, to charges of armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
According to a report published in The Salem News, the victim is likely to be permanently paralyzed. The publication also reported that Avalo has past convictions and should currently be in a state prison, if the 2018 change in the law and his “good time” credit hadn’t released him almost a year early.
His previous convictions include charges of drug trafficking and assault and battery on a police officer.
Salem Police officers responded to 283 Derby St. shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday for multiple calls reporting a fight and the sound of gunshots.
Officers arrived at a chaotic scene of people yelling and screaming, with more people attempting to push themselves back inside the neighboring establishment. Officers located the victim in an alleyway of 283 Derby St., suffering from a gunshot wound to his midsection. Officers immediately provided aid and the victim was transported to the hospital for further care.
Brothers Taverna, the restaurant in which the shooting was adjacent to, said on its Facebook page that the victim was a regular of the establishment.
One person was arrested at the scene for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest as the officers attempted to gain control.
The investigation to date has determined that the shooting was not a random act. Additionally, there is no information indicating that a threat to the general public exists.
Salem Police said that the victim is still in the hospital and is stable.
Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the Salem Police Criminal Investigations Division (CID) at (978) 745-9700 or the anonymous tip line at (978) 619-5627, where you do not have to give your name.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
