05-05-2025
Fight escalates to gunfire barrage outside Key West bar, police say. Man jailed
A man is behind bars after a fight escalated to a barrage of gunfire near Key West's most famous tourist area early Sunday morning, police say.
Shortly before 4 a.m., Key West police responded to the area just outside Tattoo and Scars Saloon, 512 Greene Street, where they found two men with gunshot wounds, according to a warrant obtained by the Miami Herald. A witness had called 911, saying she heard six gunshots and saw a large group of people fighting in front of the bar.
Alijah Alihikaua Helmar, a 25-year-old Key West resident, is jailed in connection to the shooting, records show. Witnesses, according to police, directed officers to the suspected gunman. The shooting occurred near Duval Street, an area renowned for its nightlife, restaurants and shopping.
Helmar, the warrant says, was captured on surveillance footage shooting a pistol during the argument. It's unclear what charges Helmar faces, though the warrant lists the offense as aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
In an interview with police, Helmar denied being drunk and claimed he had only one drink, according to the warrant. Officers, however, noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Helmar's person — and also found a Glock 10mm pistol tucked into his waistband.
In 2022, Helmar was previously convicted of disorderly conduct for brawling, a misdemeanor, court records indicate.
One of the victims, a 25-year-old man was shot four times, once in the face, twice in the abdomen and once in the thigh, the warrant says. He was airlifted to Jackson South. The other victim, a 33-year-old man, was struck by a bullet in the ankle.
Their identities and conditions weren't released publicly as of Sunday morning. Detectives are investigating the shooting.
This information will be updated as more information becomes available
