NEW YORK — A shooting incident on New York City’s Upper West Side created extensive delays across several subway lines on Thursday morning, gripping the community with fear and prompting a swift police response.
Law enforcement authorities reported that a 47-year-old man, the proprietor of a local computer repair shop, was shot in both the leg and shoulder around 9:20 a.m., near the intersection of West 69th Street and Columbus Avenue. He was rapidly transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he is expected to recover from his injuries.
According to sources, the shooter was a former employee who had left his position at the store approximately two months prior. Witnesses recounted that a dispute erupted between the two men, escalating quickly before gunfire rang out in the bustling area.
The gunman, described as wearing a blue hoodie, a green jacket, and a tan hat, was last seen fleeing into the subway system at the 72nd Street station, carrying a firearm. This prompted an immediate manhunt and significant modifications to subway services.
Surveillance cameras captured footage of an individual matching the suspect‘s description, visibly carrying what appeared to be the firearm in a bag as he entered the store. Shortly after, he exited, with the business owner trailing behind him, unaware of the impending chaos.
As of Thursday night, the suspect remains at large, intensifying fears in an already shaken community.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene
Witnesses reported hearing approximately a dozen gunshots, which shattered the window of a nearby bus stop as panic spread throughout the area. A local school was temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution, although the shelter-in-place order was lifted shortly after.
“I heard like 15 loud bangs,” resident Robert Consivine relayed, illustrating the shocking nature of the event. Meanwhile, Jan Bronson echoed similar sentiments, stating, “I thought it was scaffolding coming down from an apartment.”
Another eyewitness described waking partially to the chaos, saying, “I was actually half asleep and I heard 10 gunshots, about. And then we heard whelping, like crying, screaming, and then we heard a bunch of sirens,” reflecting the confusion that enveloped the scene.
“When I heard the shots, I thought, I can’t believe that would be gunfire, because in this neighborhood, you don’t hear that kind of stuff,” a local resident noted. “But here it is, bus station blown apart,” underscoring the shock of such an incident in what is generally considered a safe area.
Videos taken during the incident show bystanders running for safety, with some individuals seeking refuge inside nearby businesses. Marginal safety measures were taken by local vendors as described by business owner Edmondo Tuautle, who recounted, “All the rest of my customers, they were going to the back of the place. In this scene, you panic, of course. You don’t know what to do.”
Remarkably, one stray bullet pierced the door of an apartment building nearby. Leslie Granados, a resident who recently moved into the area, expressed disbelief: “We just moved into this building a month and a half ago, thinking it was a really safe area.”
Another resident reflected on the harsh reality of urban violence, stating, “You always see stuff on the news and everything, and then when it’s right in front of your own house, it’s a little different, obviously.”
According to NYPD statistics, the 20th Precinct has recorded a startling 200% increase in shootings this year, with six reported incidents compared to just two at this time last year.
A/C/B/D/E trains all impacted
C trains experienced a temporary suspension in both directions due to the ongoing investigation, while A and D trains faced significant service disruptions, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Train services were gradually restored, with delays continuing until shortly before noon, as stated by the MTA.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. Additionally, tips can be submitted via their website.
**Interview with Community Safety Expert on Upper West Side Shooting Incident**
**Host**: Good evening, and welcome back to our special coverage of the shooting incident on the Upper West Side this morning. Joining us now is Dr. Lisa Carter, a community safety expert and former police officer. Dr. Carter, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Carter**: Thank you for having me.
**Host**: Let’s dive right in. This shooting, which injured a local business owner, has understandably raised concerns among residents. What do you make of the initial response from law enforcement and how they handled the situation?
**Dr. Carter**: The police response was timely and crucial given the unfolding situation. Managing a scene where gunshots are fired in a public area requires immediate action to secure the environment and protect the public. Given the quick transportation of the victim to the hospital, it seems they acted swiftly. However, the ongoing manhunt for the suspect raises questions about preventative measures and community safety protocols.
**Host**: Witnesses described a chaotic atmosphere, with many expressing disbelief that such violence could happen in their neighborhood. How does this incident reflect on overall community safety in areas that are typically deemed secure?
**Dr. Carter**: It’s a stark reminder that no neighborhood is immune to violence. The fact that residents felt secure and then experienced such a traumatic event can lead to a significant trust deficit in community safety. In my experience, it’s essential for communities to engage with local law enforcement in discussions about safety measures, reporting suspicious activities, and building community watch programs to bolster collective vigilance.
**Host**: We heard eyewitness accounts detailing the moments leading up to and after the shots were fired. What psychological impacts can such an event have on community members, especially those who witnessed it?
**Dr. Carter**: Incidents like these can have profound effects on mental health. Witnesses may experience symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, or even PTSD. Communities often benefit from debriefing sessions and trauma-informed care resources to aid recovery. It’s vital for local leaders and mental health professionals to prioritize support and create safe spaces for discussion.
**Host**: Given the suspect is still at large, what steps can residents take to ensure their safety in the wake of this incident?
**Dr. Carter**: Residents should stay alert and aware of their surroundings, especially in public spaces. It’s also important to communicate with neighbors—sharing concerns or suspicious observations can help foster an environment of safety. Additionally, they should remain informed through local news and official channels, and report any unusual activity to law enforcement.
**Host**: Dr. Carter, thank you for your insights. We appreciate your expertise during this difficult time for the Upper West Side community.
**Dr. Carter**: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we come together as a community to support one another.
**Host**: We’ll continue to follow the story and update our viewers as more information becomes available. Stay tuned.
