In a harrowing incident that sent shockwaves through the community, a 61-year-old man was shot in the face while sitting on a street corner bench in Harlem on Monday afternoon, according to police reports.
The victim was quietly seated on a bench at the intersection of W. 154th St. and Frederick Douglass Blvd. when a gunman approached him just before 2:05 p.m. Eyewitnesses recounted a tense confrontation escalating into violence, with the victim being struck down by gunfire after an argument erupted among individuals nearby.
“There were three or four guys sitting on a bench and two of them started arguing and fighting,” revealed a witness, who spoke under the condition of anonymity. “When [the victim] hit the ground, pow, he shot him in the face.”
In the chaos that ensued, bystanders scattered as the assailant fled the scene on foot, heading southbound on Frederick Douglass Blvd. The swift and brazen nature of the attack left the neighborhood reeling, as residents grappled with the sudden eruption of violence in their midst.
Emergency medical responders swiftly arrived at the scene, rushing the wounded victim to Harlem Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite the critical nature of his injuries, the victim was reported to be in stable condition, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.
The street corner bench, now marked by the haunting memory of the violent incident, has gained a notorious reputation in the neighborhood. “That bench is notorious,” remarked a resident, suggesting the need for heightened vigilance and security measures to address escalating concerns.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are diligently working to apprehend the perpetrator responsible for this senseless act of violence. With no immediate arrests made, the community remains on edge, grappling with the unsettling reality of gun violence and its devastating impact on innocent lives.
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In the wake of this disturbing incident, residents and authorities alike are left to contemplate the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the community.