A 64-year-old woman was inadvertently caught in the crossfire and wounded by a stray bullet while walking in Upper Manhattan, prompting an investigation by the NYPD, authorities have reported. According to Gothamist, the incident occurred near West 204th Street and Broadway in the Inwood neighborhood at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The victim reported seeing a group of young people when suddenly, a 9mm bullet struck her in the left buttock, fired seemingly without a clear target.
The suspected shooter reportedly fled south on Broadway, and no arrests have taken place as of yet, police said. The injured woman was promptly transported to Harlem Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition amidst her recovery, as stated by officials. Despite the stark reality of her injury, the broader area has seen a notable decrease in shootings this year. NYPD data referenced by Gothamist indicates a nearly 60% drop in shootings within the 34th Precinct, which includes Inwood and Washington Heights, plunging from 17 incidents in 2024 to just seven by Nov. 23 of this year.
Further details provided by PIX11 News reveal that the police are seeking a group of six to seven men observed leaving the scene, all reportedly wearing dark clothing. The authorities discovered the injured woman on the sidewalk after the shooting, which occurred shortly before the police arrived at around 4:18 p.m., and she was quickly rushed to the hospital following the incident.
The motive behind the shooting is still unknown, and it is unclear where the bullet that wounded an uninvolved passerby came from. Police are continuing to search for the individuals involved and are asking anyone with information to come forward. The incident is part of the ongoing efforts to address gun violence in the neighborhood.
