A 19-year-old gunman was shot and killed outside a strip mall in Queens early Sunday morning. According to police sources, the young man opened fire outside a building on Metropolitan Ave. in Middle Village, only to be met with a fatal gunshot from a rival shortly after. The incident took place around 3:25 a.m. in an area that houses various businesses, including a medical office.
Eyewitnesses reported that the 19-year-old fired several shots into the air before being struck in the chest by an individual down the block. Despite being rushed to Elmhurst Hospital, the young man succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man arrived at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn with an injury to his arm from a gunshot. Police later determined that he was also involved in the same incident, although it remains unclear if he fired the fatal shot.
Residents in the area expressed their concerns about a nearby hookah lounge, where witnesses reported hearing a commotion prior to the shooting. Manuel Jimenez, a neighbor, stated that the club was known for its rowdy atmosphere, attracting people who would showcase their vehicles and hang out. He believed that the violence witnessed on the streets was an inevitable consequence of the club’s activities.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The identity of the 19-year-old victim who was killed in the shooting has not been released. However, sources revealed that he had been arrested on February 17th for possessing a ghost gun. During that incident, he attempted to flee from the police after being pulled over in a vehicle.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident, hoping to shed light on the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter.