Police are hunting for the person who shot a 55-year-old man in the face during an attempted robbery in Morris Heights on July 3, a brazen attack that has rattled the neighborhood. Investigators say the suspect went for the victim’s chain, and when he could not yank it free, he pulled a gun and fired, hitting the man in the face. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
According to police, the gunman took off immediately after the shooting and has not been caught. Detectives have not announced any arrests and are working the case as an attempted robbery turned shooting, as reported by News12. Officers are canvassing the area, looking for witnesses and scraping up any surveillance video that might show the suspect or his escape route.
Chain-Snatch Robberies On The Rise In The Bronx
The Morris Heights shooting mirrors a recent wave of chain snatches and moped-enabled robberies across the Bronx, where thieves grab jewelry and other valuables, then speed off before victims can react. In one set of cases, a moped chain-snatch crew zipping through the Bronx and Queens reported that the NYPD released still images from several incidents and urged residents to hang on to door-bell and phone video that might help crack the cases.
Police Ask Witnesses To Hold On To Any Footage
Authorities told News12 that anyone with information or video connected to the Morris Heights shooting should call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Detectives say even a short door-bell clip or a quick phone recording can be critical in tracking suspects, and they emphasize that tips can be shared anonymously.
Neighbors say the attack has stirred fresh fears about street robberies in parts of the West Bronx, and local leaders are pushing for stronger surveillance and faster follow-up from investigators. This story will be updated as police release new details or announce any arrests.
