A 55-year-old woman, a longtime New Yorker, was grazed by a stray bullet while walking on Central Park West on Thursday evening. The victim, who chose to remain anonymous, described the incident as “terrifying” as she found herself in the line of fire around 8:40 p.m. while heading to catch a bus at the park and West 108th Street in Manhattan.
According to the victim, someone got off the bus and shot at a man on the street, forcing her to quickly change direction to avoid the danger. She realized she had been hit as she turned around and saw the two individuals still present at the scene. The injured woman was then rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside, where she was reported to be in stable condition.
The emotional impact of the incident was profound for the victim, who expressed feelings of panic and fear. She emphasized the need for change in addressing street crime, stating that the situation was too chaotic and required a systemic solution.
Despite acknowledging the excellent response from law enforcement, the victim expressed uncertainty about feeling comfortable walking the city streets again. She questioned the lack of consequences for those involved in such violent acts and emphasized the importance of understanding the motives behind such incidents.
The suspected shooter, described as wearing all black, fled the scene on foot. The victim, a resident of New York City since 1993, highlighted the urgency in addressing the ongoing street crime issues and the need for a comprehensive solution to ensure the safety of all residents.
The incident on Central Park West marked the third shooting victim in the NYPD’s 24th Precinct so far this year. Recent data indicated an increase in shootings compared to the same period last year, with two innocent bystanders fatally shot in separate incidents in recent weeks.
Among the victims was Excenia Mette, a grandmother and Harlem bodega owner, who was fatally shot in the head while checking on her grandson. Another victim, Daoud Marji, a 28-year-old plumber’s apprentice, was also killed by a stray bullet to the head while visiting a friend in The Bronx.
The motives behind these shootings remain unclear, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to address gun violence and ensure the safety of all residents in New York City.
