Earlier today, an incident unfolded in Mount Vernon, Westchester County, where two individuals fired upon NYPD officers, precipitating an exchange of gunfire. According to Gothamist, the confrontation occurred around 5:45 a.m. in a residential zone near 29 Pearl St. and ensued after officers, on their way back to base, spotted suspects resembling those wanted in connection with an armed gas station robbery. No injuries were reported from the firefight that erupted when the suspects discharged approximately four or five rounds at the police.
The suspects managed to elude capture, fleeing into a local backyard and MTA lot, and during their escape, a gun was found discarded on their path. Consequently, service on the Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line was temporarily halted between the Mount Vernon East and Fordham stations due to police activity. Calls to the Mount Vernon Police Department by Gothamist went unanswered at the time of their reporting.
In connection with the same chain of events, an exclusive interview with the gas station worker who endured the robbery revealed troubling details. Yusuf Topal told ABC7NY, "Some guy in a white shirt was coming this way, I say , 'What's going on?' And the other guy, he put the gun to my head. They say, 'Give me all the money!'" said Yusuf Topal, robbery victim exclusively to Eyewitness News. "I try to take the money out, I say, 'You guys, don't shoot me! I'll give you the money.'" Topal detailed how the assailants took $600, his wallet, and other personal items before pushing him and fleeing the scene. The robbery took place at a gas station near the Metro-North Railroad just before the police pursuit began.
The ensuing manhunt for the suspects brought together local Mount Vernon police officers and the NYPD, along with support from Westchester County police and the FBI. An extensive search was conducted through apartment buildings, backyards, and along the Metro-North tracks. Mount Vernon police have secured the area and continue to actively seek the culprits, urging anyone with information to contact the MVPD Detective Division to aid in their pursuit.
Mount Vernon authorities, while the investigation remains active, have requested that the public avoid the area south and west of Mount Vernon Avenue and Lincoln Avenue. Service disruptions to Metro-North have since been resolved, but the search for the suspects continues. Residents and those with pertinent information are encouraged to anonymously submit tips through the "Text-A-Tip" service by texting "MVPD" followed by the information to 847411, ABC7NY reported.
