November 11, 2024 MANHATTAN, New York – A young innocent bystander was the victim of a stray-bullet after gunfire erupted just before 3 p.m., outside a Starbucks in upper Manhattan on Monday afternoon, police said.
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According to police officials, a 7-year-old girl was struck after the young child and father were caught in the crossfire of a brazen gang related shooting in broad daylight near shot near W 145th Street & Bradhurst Avenue in upper Manhattan on the border of Harlem and Washington Heights.
The wounded child was shot in the abdomen and rushed to Harlem Hospital in a police cruiser to undergo immediate surgery. She was last listed in stable condition, and is expected to make a full recovery.
The incident is believed to be gang related and the little girl along with her father do not appear to be the intended targets, cops said.
Authorities stated two groups were shooting at each other with at least nine rounds located including some that hit the Starbucks building, shattering a window and leaving a bullet hole under the signature store sign.
We talked with nearby resident Donald Mahaya who heard gunfire ring out and at first thought it was maybe fireworks. He looked out his apartment window and saw people running away.
By the time Mr. Mahaya came outside he saw the father and young girl on the ground near the Starbucks following the shooting
“She was lying on the floor still and her father was crying next to her. We didn’t know what was going on. The dad was yelling and screaming, I think he thought she was dead.” said Mr. Mahaya.
Two male teen suspects, ages 17 and 19, were taken into police custody for questioning with a firearm also recovered. The investigation is ongoing with charges pending.