Methuen’s Wilmer Roque was arrested Tuesday after evading capture following a Lawrence shooting. (Courtesy photograph)
A Methuen man gassing up his moped Tuesday morning was met with State Police troopers at a Lawrence Sunoco station and taken into custody for his role in a shooting earlier this week in Lawrence.
Twenty-two-year-old Wilmer Roque, a known gang member, evaded police by fleeing from the Aug. 8 shooting scene on his dirt bike. His alleged coconspirator, Jeremy Flores, was arrested shortly after the shooting, while Roque remained at large. Although Roque’s gang affiliation is known to WHAV, it is our policy not to name the group or bring additional notoriety to it.
Captured Tuesday morning at the Sunoco station, Roque was found to be in possession of heroin and cocaine, according to a press release from Massachusetts State Police. When they searched his moped that was said to be stolen, officers located a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm handgun with a full magazine containing 15 rounds.
Roque faces charges of armed assault to murder, attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon for his role in the Lawrence shooting. He must also answer to drug and firearms charges stemming from Tuesday’s arrest, State Police said.
Roque is expected to be arraigned in Lawrence District Court Wednesday.