CLEWISTON -- On June 1, 2022 at approximately 8:30 p.m., Clewiston Police Department officers responded to a West Alverdez Avenue, Clewiston, in reference to a report of gunshots. Upon arrival, officers located two gunshot victims, an unresponsive 36 year-old Hispanic female and a 31 year-old Hispanic male. The two victims were determined to be siblings. Several family members witnessed the incident and reportedly identified the shooter as 38 year-old Hispanic male, Juan Vega. Officers learned that Juan Vega fled the home in a vehicle prior to their arrival.

After CPR efforts by on-scene officers, the female victim was transported by Hendry County EMS to Hendry Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced deceased. The male victim was transported by family members to Hendry Regional Medical Center, where he was stabilized and transported by Rapid Response to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

Information was shared, via radio with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office regarding the identity of the suspect and possible vehicle. A Sergeant with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle travelling toward LaBelle on State Road 80. After a brief vehicle pursuit and with the assistance of a Taser, the suspect, Juan Vega was taken into custody. Inside the suspect’s Dodge Ram pick-up truck, deputies located a 22 caliber rifle, the same caliber believed to be used in the homicide.

This is an isolated incident and the Clewiston Police Department has no information to believe that the community is in danger. Although the investigation remains active, preliminary information suggests this is a domestic-related incident as the suspect and the female victim have children together. Among other family members, there were two young children in the home at the time of the shooting. The Department of Children and Families has been notified of the incident.

The suspect, Juan Vega will be booked into the Hendry County Jail on multiple charges including Murder and Attempted Murder.

Chief Tom Lewis said, “I appreciate the assistance of the members of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. This is another example of how our great working relationship is keeping the community safer. Taking Juan Vega into custody potentially stopped another tragedy from happening.”