West Palm Beach Police Department Arrests Attempted Murder Suspect

Published on March 19, 2025

West Palm Beach Police Department Arrest Suspect Wanted for Attempted Murder

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (March 19, 2025) -- A 24-year-old man is facing attempted first-degree murder with a firearm, attempted robbery with a firearm, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device charges in connection with an incident that occurred in late December 2024 at a gas station along the 1800 block of Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

After a multi-county search, the West Palm Beach Police Department, with assistance from the Boynton Beach Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Vinesh Ishwar Maharaj on I-95 on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Maharaj was wanted for an incident that occurred on December 23, 2024. Officers with the West Palm Beach Police Department responded to a gas station along the 1800 block of Palm Beach Lakes Blvd and found a victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to St. Mary's Medical Center and immediately taken into surgery due to his potential life-threatening injuries.

Upon further investigation, detectives determined the victim was targeted because the suspect believed the victim was carrying a large amount of cash. Maharaj was captured on surveillance video wearing all black and a face mask, waiting for the victim outside of the business entrance. As the victim attempted to enter his vehicle, he was attacked by Maharaj, who shot the victim during a struggle. Maharaj ran from the victim's vehicle and entered the front passenger seat of a waiting red Jaguar sedan.

Detectives on scene recovered cash and multiple shell casings in the gas station parking lot. A firearm and live rounds were located a half mile from the gas station. The red Jaguar sedan was later recovered along the 800 block of Brandon Prescott Lane, and a two-way radio was found inside. The red Jaguar sedan was registered to Vinesh Maharaj.

A warrant was obtained for Maharaj's cell phone, and location records showed Maharaj at the gas station on the date and time of the attempted robbery and shooting. Additionally, surveillance video from the gas station showed Maharaj using a two-way radio as he waited for the victim to exit the gas station.

After an arrest warrant was obtained, detectives located Maharaj in Broward County. Detectives followed Maharaj into Palm Beach County, where they conducted a traffic stop on I-95. Maharaj was taken into custody without incident.