Late Friday night in Flatbush, a 16-year-old boy was shot and taken to Kings County Hospital with a gunshot wound to his abdomen, police said. The teen was hit near the corner of Newkirk Avenue and East 34th Street and is expected to recover.
Officers responded to the intersection shortly after 11 p.m. and found the wounded teen, who was transported to Kings County Hospital and is expected to be OK, according to News 12 Brooklyn. Police told the outlet they are searching for a man described as having a dark complexion and wearing all black. No arrests have been reported.
Recent incidents near Newkirk
Friday’s shooting lands on top of several recent incidents in the neighborhood, including a Jan. 9 attack inside a deli on Flatbush Avenue near Newkirk Avenue that left two men injured, as reported by amNewYork. Residents and business owners have increasingly pushed for stepped-up patrols and community-based violence interruption programs after a stretch of weekday and weekend shootings.
Citywide context
Citywide shooting totals have dipped in recent reporting periods, but violence remains concentrated in parts of Brooklyn and the Bronx, according to coverage by Documented. Advocates argue that getting illegal guns off the streets and funding local prevention efforts are key to reducing incidents like Friday’s shooting.
How to report tips
Police are asking anyone with information about Friday's shooting to call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit an internet tip. In an emergency, call 911. The NYPD's Crime Stoppers program page has details and anonymous reporting options, including a mobile app, at NYPD Crime Stoppers.
