Gunman jailed for shooting at a club in Wednesbury as police continue hunt for wanted Walsall man

A gunman has been jailed for more than 30 years over a shooting inside a Wednesbury club.

Shaquille Blake fired a gun at a man in the foyer of MJs Bar, Bridge Street, at almost point blank range.

Blake then kicked his target in the face before he was ushered out of the premises and fled the area.

The victim presented at hospital with abdominal and arm injuries and West Midlands Police was alerted to the shooting for the first time.

Officers quickly identified the venue as the location and Blake as a prime suspect for the incident which happened at just before 4am on 13 August 2023.

He fled to Dubai shortly after the shooting but, following his return to the UK, he was arrested during a traffic stop in Ladywood in Birmingham almost a year later.

The 30-year-old, from Kelsall Croft, Birmingham, was convicted of attempted murder and possession of a firearm following a trial.

He was jailed for 34 years at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday (February 13). However the police probe into the shooting continues as officers are searching for another suspect from Walsall - see full details below.

The conviction was secured following an investigation by WMP Major Crime Unit.

The manhunt for Ricardo Mendez from Walsall

West Midlands Police added that the investigation is far from over. The force is also looking to trace Ricardo Mendez, who is also wanted in connection with the incident.

The 33-year-old from Walsall is believed to have left the country shortly after the shooting.

A spokesperson for WMP said: "We're working with various agencies to try and locate him, and we're keen to hear from anyone with information which could help us."

You can contact police via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/703260/23.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

‘There’s no doubt that on another day this could have been tragic’

Detective Chief Inspector Alastair Orencas said: "Blake not only carried a gun but was fully prepared to fire the weapon. There's no doubt on another day this could have had really tragic consequences.

"We have a team of highly-skilled detectives who worked tirelessly to make sure he was convicted of this crime. The sentence shows just how serious offences involving guns are taken, and when caught you face a long time behind bars."

Last year, the number of shootings in the West Midlands fell from 126 to 92. A spokesperson for WMP added: “We’re running Op Target to take weapons off the streets and convict those involved.”