Gunman on a Scooter Kills One and Wounds Three in New York Shooting Spree
In a horrifying incident that unfolded on Saturday, a gunman rode his scooter across Brooklyn and Queens, randomly firing at groups of people and stores, resulting in one death and three others injured. The authorities have not released the name of the 25-year-old gunman.
The shooting spree began around 11 a.m. when the gunman shot a 21-year-old man from behind, injuring him in the left shoulder. The incident took place near the intersection of Ashford Street and Arlington Avenue in Brooklyn, prompting officers to respond to the scene.
Just seventeen minutes later, another shooting was reported in Queens, resembling the earlier attack in Brooklyn. In this instance, the gunman fatally shot an 87-year-old man near a nail salon on Jamaica Avenue in the Richmond Hills section of Queens.
The motive behind the shootings remains unclear, but the attacks appeared to be completely random. According to Chief Joseph Kenny, the demographics of the victims were varied, suggesting the absence of a specific target or motive.
Once the police realized the possible connection between the first two shootings, a widespread search for the assailant was initiated. During the search, officers were alerted to a third shooting at a shop in Queens, where fortunately no one was injured. Witnesses described how the gunman fired at a group of people standing on a corner on Jamaica Avenue.
At approximately 11:35 a.m., the gunman shot a 44-year-old man in the cheek, who is currently in critical condition in the hospital. Less than a minute later, a 63-year-old man was shot in the right shoulder, but he is said to be in stable condition.
The names of the victims have not yet been released.
Eyewitnesses reported how the gunman, without any specific targets or victims in mind, drove his scooter while randomly shooting throughout a roughly six-mile stretch of the city.
Eventually, officers discovered the gunman at the corner of Sutphin Boulevard and 94th Avenue in Queens and arrested him at 1:10 p.m. During the arrest, the police recovered a 9-millimeter pistol and an extended magazine from the gunman.
Security camera footage from various establishments in the area captured the chaotic scenes of the shooting spree. Witnesses described hearing “fireworks” and seeing shattered windows from the gunfire.
This disturbing incident occurred just days after the New York City Police Department announced a 25 percent decrease in shootings during the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. The drop in violent crime has been attributed to ongoing efforts to combat crime and address public safety concerns.
As the investigation continues, the authorities are working to unravel the motives behind the shooting spree and provide answers to the traumatized communities impacted by this senseless act of violence.