What started as just another summer night in NYC turned chaotic when sirens, screams, and flashing lights overtook Times Square. And it wasn’t your typical tourist moment. Early Saturday morning, around 1:20 a.m., a shooting broke out near West 44th Street and Seventh Avenue, leaving three people injured. Sadly, this included two innocent bystanders just caught in the mix.
RELATED: Prayers Up! Atlanta Shooting Near Emory University & Center For Disease Control Leaves 2 Dead (VIDEO)
What Happened In Times Square?
According to police, the incident started with a dispute between a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old man, which escalated into gunfire. Sources say the 17-year-old was inside Raising Cane’s on Broadway just after 1 a.m. when he got into it with a man on a Citi Bike. And, instead of letting it go, he stepped outside and settled it with bullets.
Witnesses say he left the restaurant, hit the street, and let off three shots toward a group of about a dozen riders. Meanwhile, the 19-year-old was shot in the foot, while a 65-year-old man was hit in the leg and an 18-year-old woman was grazed. In addition, all three were rushed to Bellevue Hospital and are reportedly in stable condition.
More Details On The Chaotic Scene
Video from the scene shows a heavy police presence and pure chaos. From first responders tending to victims, one man laid out near an SUV, and a visibly shaken, unharmed woman stepping out of the same vehicle. Furthermore, the teen shooter is now in custody and police reportedly recovered a Glock from him. And, three .380 mm shell casings were also recovered at the scene. Additionally, charges are still pending as of Saturday morning.
@abc7chicago A 17-year-old has been arrested after allegedly shooting three people in Times Square early Saturday morning, police said. The incident occurred at approximately 1:20 a.m. on 44th Street and 7th Avenue when, police believe, the 17-year-old suspect got involved in a dispute with a 19-year-old before shots were fired, according to the New York Police Department. #news #timessquare #newyork #nyc
A Witness Speaks Out
Now, the mother of one of the victims spoke to the New York Post, revealing how frightening the incident was for their family. Also, she explained that her child has no connection to the dispute and was caught in the crossfire.
“We heard gunshots,” the mother, who wants to remain anonymous said. “My daughter was holding her neck. She was bleeding. They were going to put stitches in but decided not to. It’s a very horrific experience. We decided to take our time to come to Times Square. We just felt that we would have a beautiful experience at night to see the whole city.”
