A late-night hangout at a Kew Gardens burger bar turned deadly Tuesday when 29-year-old Demitri McKay was shot inside Hangar 11 Burgers & Brews and later died at Jamaica Hospital, according to witnesses. People inside the restaurant said two men bolted from the spot as soon as the gunfire rang out.
Victim Identified and Suspects Described
Police identified the victim as Demitri McKay, a Queens Village resident. Investigators and witnesses told reporters that the bullet hit McKay in the left arm, exited, then entered his chest, injuries that proved fatal at the hospital, according to the New York Daily News. Witnesses described one man running off in a blue Nike tracksuit and another in a pink hoodie, the outlet reported. Detectives had not announced any arrests as the investigation continued.
Busy Late-Night Block
Hangar 11 Burgers sits at 119-11 Metropolitan Ave in Kew Gardens and promotes itself as a late-night burger-and-brews spot that often keeps the grills going into the early morning hours, according to its website Hangar 11 Burgers. The venue draws crowds for game nights and weekend events, and its posted hours list service extending into the 3 a.m. hour on weekdays. Neighbors said this stretch of Metropolitan Avenue stays busy late at night as bars and restaurants pull in bigger crowds.
Detectives Work Leads, Seek Video
Queens detectives said they are canvassing for surveillance footage from inside and around the restaurant and interviewing witnesses in an effort to identify the two men, and no arrests had been announced by Tuesday afternoon, according to the New York Daily News. Authorities have urged anyone with video or other information to contact investigators. The probe remains active, and detectives said they plan to release additional details as they become available.
