The NYPD is seeking the public’s help identifying several young men who are sought in connection with a shootout that left a civilian employee of the NYPD wounded.
Police officials say that officers from the 52nd Precinct were called to 2226 Andrews Avenue North in University Heights at 8:20 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, when gunfire was reported. One police source told Norwood News, “Two unknown male individuals that were part of a large group engaged in a verbal dispute with an unknown individual.”
The source added, “As the dispute turned physical, the two unknown males displayed firearms and discharged multiple gunshots in the vicinity of the intended target.”
Officials say a 24-year-old unidentified female and civilian employee of the NYPD had been standing across the street, an unintended target, when she was struck in the left leg. “The victim was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital in stable condition,” police said.
One Sunday, Sept. 4, the NYPD released surveillance video that shows a dark sedan stopping in the street and two men on a dirt bike pull up alongside the passenger side of the vehicle. At the same time, a third man walks up to engage the driver. The vehicle quickly pulls away as several men are seen running for cover.
Police say one suspect fled southbound on University Avenue and the second fled southbound on Andrews Avenue North.
The shooting of the civilian employee of the NYPD is just the latest in a series of incidents involving members of the NYPD. On Aug. 30, members of the NYPD’s Warrant Squad attempted to stop a holdup on Third Avenue when they exchanged gunfire with the suspects. No one was injured in the shootout.
On Tuesday, Aug. 23, off-duty police officer, Mohammed Chowdhury, was jogging along Olmstead Avenue when he was attacked and beaten by several men who are alleged to be part of an armed gang wanted in a series to a series of carjackings across The Bronx and Queens. Police have since arrested Oshawn Logan, 18, who was charged in Chowdhury’s assault, as reported.
Anyone with any information regarding the Andrews Avenue North shooting is urged to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1 (800) 577-TIPS or for Spanish 1 (888) 57-PISTA, all calls remain confidential.