Michael Zayas, a Brooklyn resident, has been arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred during the day near a Manhattan school and playground. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the January 14 incident at Kelly Playground in Chelsea involved Zayas discharging a firearm multiple times in a populated area, which led to a middle school entering lockdown.
Authorities have identified the shooter as 49‑year‑old Zayas, who was wearing a mask during the incident near the corner of 17th Street and 8th Avenue. Jay Clayton highlighted the collaboration between HSI New York, the NYPD, and federal law enforcement partners in making the arrest. The incident occurred in an area where children were present, raising concerns about safety.
Law enforcement recovered 10 9‑millimeter cartridges at the scene and, through further investigation, linked Zayas to the crime. Surveillance footage reportedly showed him entering an elevator on a floor of an apartment building just blocks from the shooting location minutes before the incident. He was later seen leaving the area in the footage, which played a role in identifying Zayas, who is also a convicted felon.
Zayas is facing one count of possession of ammunition following a felony conviction, a charge that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years. The incident reportedly caused fear among local residents and visitors, including students at a nearby middle school that was placed on lockdown during the shooting.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Hoffman and Benjamin Levander are leading the prosecution, which is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations & Crime Unit. While Congress sets maximum penalties, the presiding judge will determine the actual sentence. Federal prosecutors and the involved law enforcement agencies are coordinating on the case to ensure it is addressed in accordance with the law and public safety considerations.
