Authorities in the Bronx have intensified their search for two individuals connected to a double shooting on April 9 that injured a local chef and father of six. As reported by News 12, 56-year-old Ian Blake, a notable Bronx culinary figure, was one of two victims gunned down in what appeared to be a senseless act of violence. Blake sustained a serious injury to his back that has left him with considerable health complications and the devastating prognosis of lifelong paralysis.
The shooting, taking place at the intersection of Fordham Road and Grand Concourse, resulted in Blake, a chef who has cooked for celebrities and holds a local following for his catering business, being shot while waiting at a bus stop, a second victim was struck in the ankle. At St. Barnabas Hospital, Blake remains under medical care, having had to endure the removal of his colon and a kidney, in addition to requiring dialysis treatments. His sister, Loletta Blake expressed her distress to ABC7NY, saying, "He's off the life support, but he's still struggling for life." She added, "So, it's not just my brother that is struggling for life. We all are struggling."
Police have disseminated new surveillance visuals of the suspects, who, according to witnesses, were indiscriminately discharging firearms while riding on a moped along East Fordham Road. The images show two men: one donning a green sweatshirt, black jacket, and a baseball hat; the other, distinguishable in an "8 ball" jacket, black sweatshirt, dark pants, and red shoes. Anyone with information has been urged to relay tips anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline, in a statement obtained by ABC7NY.
