"Near Point-Blank" Shooting Of David Ortiz Described As "A Calculated Attack"

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have a suspect in custody in last night's shooting of David Ortiz. They are classifying the incident as a calculated attack and not a burglary (as was first reported). Video of the incident depicts a man shooting a gun at almost point blank range. (Ortiz would clearly not be alive today if that guy had a steadier hand or was a decent shot.) Police are still looking for a second suspect.

After six hours of surgery last night, Ortiz is in intensive care, but has been cleared to travel to Boston for additional treatment at Mass General Hospital. The team hopes Ortiz will arrive in Boston later tonight.

CNN:

Suspect Eddy Vladimir Féliz García of nearby Santo Domingo West, its own city, and another man approached the Dial Discotheque on a motorcycle before at least one opened fire, hitting Ortiz and his friend, police said in a statement. They tried to drive away, but the motorcycle fell to the pavement.

The crowd attacked Féliz García and handed him over to police, while the second suspect fled on foot, police said. ...

Surveillance footage from the club shows an area of packed tables. Clubgoers are drinking, mingling and fiddling with their phones when a shooter approaches from the top of the screen, the short video clip shows.

Only a shooter's legs are visible when a shot is fired, appearing to hit Ortiz in the back. Ortiz slumps to his left and falls out of his chair. Frightened bystanders knock over chairs as they flee.

Ortiz's agent, Fernando Cuza, who has seen the video, confirmed to CNN that the man who falls from his chair is Ortiz.

CBS News:

National police spokesperson Frank Felix Duran told CBS News Ortiz or urban singer Secreto, who was with him, may have been the target of a hit job. "We're not ruling out any scenario. What we can rule out is that this wasn't a robbery," he said.

Investigators are trying to determine whether Ortiz was the intended target, Bautista said. Duran said the gunman fired without saying a word.

Bautista said Jhoel López, a Dominican TV host who was also with Ortiz, was also hit, apparently by the same bullet. López was shot in the leg and his wounds were not life-threatening, said his wife, Liza Blanco, who is also a TV host.

Peter Abraham, Globe:

Sam Kennedy says David Ortiz could arrive in Boston sometime tonight via an air ambulance. He would then be taken to Mass General. ...

Kennedy says Ortiz is in serious condition but stable enough to be flown to Boston. Kennedy calls it a "horrific" incident. He's very emotional. ...

Known Sam Kennedy a long time. This is as emotional as I've seen him. Said he loves Ortiz and it was tough telling his kids what happened. This is a surreal day at Fenway.

Manager Alex Cora:

One thing about David: He's strong. He has no fear. He shows no weaknesses. ... Just pray for him, keep your positive vibes. He's bigger than life. ... It's been a tough one. I just hope when he gets here everything is fine. ... It's something you don't expect. ...

He'll be back in the clubhouse with that big smile and that huge heart ... He's a superhero without a cape.