Violent Fourth of July weekend leaves multiple people injured across Brooklyn
The series of shootings comes just days after the NYPD announced historically low numbers of shootings and murders citywide during the first half of the year.
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What was meant to be a holiday weekend filled with celebrations turned violent across Brooklyn, with multiple shootings reported in Canarsie, Coney Island and Crown Heights.
Several victims were injured, including a 21-year-old woman and multiple members of the same family.
Police are searching for a suspect accused of shooting a 27-year-old woman inside a crowded restaurant and lounge in Canarsie early Saturday morning. Investigators say the shooting happened just before 2 a.m. at the establishment located on Avenue D.
Authorities released surveillance images of the suspect, who allegedly shot the woman in the leg.
It remains unclear whether the suspect and victim knew each other. The woman was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive.
Hours later, a family gathering in Coney Island turned into the scene of a mass shooting. According to police, a gunman wearing a ski mask and dressed in all black opened fire into a courtyard where relatives were gathered for a Fourth of July barbecue.
Eight family members were struck by gunfire. Among them was 21-year-old Daisha, who remains in critical condition. The youngest victim, a 6-year-old boy, was shot in the stomach.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators are examining whether the shooting may be connected to a gang-related homicide that occurred on the same block earlier in the week.
“Earlier this week we had a confirmed gang-related homicide that occurred on the same block,” said Tisch. “We are looking into whether there is a nexus between the two incidents. A Tec-9 was found on that scene along with 10 discharged shell casings.”
On Sunday in Crown Heights, police say an armed suspect who had allegedly fired at a moving vehicle approached an unmarked police car while still carrying a gun. Authorities say officers pursued the suspect and shots were fired during the encounter.
An officer was struck once in the back of his protective vest. Investigators now believe the officer may have been hit by friendly fire.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The series of shootings comes just days after the NYPD announced historically low numbers of shootings and murders citywide during the first half of the year.
As summer continues, law enforcement officials face renewed concerns about preventing gun violence and avoiding another holiday weekend marked by bloodshed across Brooklyn.
Police are asking anyone with information related to any of the shootings to contact Crime Stoppers. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-577-TIPS.
