An 18-year-old man was shot in the middle of the day Wednesday in Springfield Gardens, Queens, leaving the block on edge even as police said he is expected to recover. The victim was hit in the left leg just after 11:30 a.m. outside a house, then rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officers quickly roped off the area while detectives processed the scene and collected evidence, with no clear motive identified as the investigation got underway.
The NYPD told PIX11 the shooting happened outside a home at 177-05 145th Drive shortly after 11:30 a.m. and that the 18-year-old was taken to a hospital, where he is expected to be OK. Officers canvassed nearby blocks for witnesses and surveillance footage while detectives worked to piece together what led up to the gunfire. By late Wednesday afternoon, police said no arrests had been made.
Citywide context
Citywide, the NYPD has been touting historic drops in gun violence this year, saying the first quarter of 2026 saw the fewest murders and shooting incidents on record, according to an NYPD press release. Officials credited targeted deployments and weapons seizures for much of the downturn, while acknowledging that daytime shootings like Wednesday’s still shake neighborhoods even when the broader numbers are heading in the right direction.
Suspect description and police appeal
Police told PIX11 they are looking for a shooter who was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants and white sneakers before fleeing the scene on a scooter. Detectives said they are canvassing the area for more surveillance video and additional witnesses and are urging anyone with information to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active.
Local history
Springfield Gardens has grappled with high-profile violence in recent years; a 21-year sentence in a fatal shooting outside a nearby fast-food restaurant was handed down last year. The neighborhood is now covered by the newly opened 116th Precinct, which city officials say was created to increase patrols and cut response times in southeast Queens.
