Lawrence Police Patrol Division responded to Acqua Nightclub for a disturbance during which shots were fired. As part of the investigation members of the Patrol Division reviewed video footage at Acqua Nightclub, and located a dropped cell phone in the area that belonged to the shooter. Through the assistance of Lawrence Police School Resource Officers, and the Lawrence Parole Department, Frankchy Ryan, age 20 of Lawrence was identified as the shooter.

Ryan was taken into custody in Haverhill with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police and Haverhill Police. He has been arraigned in Lawrence District Court on several firearms related charges as well as armed assault with intent to murder.