The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has now reported that the man involved in a shootout and high-speed chase here last July may have fired a gun— although police did not find a gun on the man or in his vehicle when he was arrested.
A FDLE report dated November 19, 2001, says that a Gunshot Residue (GSR) test conducted on the hands of Anthony Arce, 28, shortly after his arrest last July 22 tested positive. But the FDLE was quick to note that the test cannot confirm whether or not the individual tested actually fired a gun.
"The analysis merely identifies the presence of gunshot residue," the FDLE report said. "The presence of GSR on the hands may be the result of activities such as firing a weapon, being in close proximity to a firearm during discharge, or handling an item (such as a spent cartridge) whose surface bears gunshot residue."
One of the charges facing Arce is alleged possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sources say that this charge is based on witnesses who say they saw Arce firing a gun out the window of the pickup truck while fleeing from police officers.
Both Arce and his girlfriend, Christine Chapa, 23, who was driving the truck during the chase, have denied that there was a gun. Cops say he may have thrown it out the window during the chase, but a search along the chase route failed to find it.
Also, the only shell casings found came from police officers' guns.
The incident occurred about Midnight last July 22. When a Key West police officer attempted to question the couple in a pickup truck following a routine traffic stop, the couple sped away. But, minutes later, the truck was "trapped" in the parking lot of the A&B Lobster House.
Officers used their patrol cars to blockade Front Street, but the truck was able to crash through and head toward Duval Street.
Three officers pulled their weapons and opened fire. They later said they were firing at the driver because she was attempting to run down other officers. None of the officers who fired shots said they saw the man in the truck with a gun.
Police say that eight shots were fired. All missed the driver, but seven hit the truck.
A high-speed chase across the island ensued with as many as nine police cars involved, lights flashing and sirens blaring. The truck was finally stopped on Stock Island and the couple was arrested.
Although the initial police report made no mention that Arce may have had a gun or fired at officers, Chief Dillon would later report to the City Commissioners that he did fire at officers.
Nine police officers were disciplined after the incident.