An early morning stretch of University Avenue turned chaotic just after 4 a.m. Monday, when two men were shot and three people ended up in the hospital, according to police. Bystander video captured people sprinting away and a vehicle tearing off from the scene as officers pulled up, and detectives now say several victims sought medical care in the hours that followed.
What the Video Shows and What Police Say Happened
Video obtained by local reporters shows a man dressed in white step out of a car, walk up the block, then return as loud bangs and screams ring out. The car then speeds off, with another vehicle appearing to follow close behind. The NYPD told investigators that a 22-year-old man was shot in the torso, a 34-year-old later walked into a hospital with an arm injury, and a 23-year-old arrived with scratches connected to a related car crash. Police also say a 26-year-old man reported being pistol-whipped and admitted to following the shooter into Washington Heights as detectives tried to piece together the wild chain of events, according to News 12 New York.
Neighbors See a Troubling Pattern
Residents and community advocates say this is starting to feel like part of a pattern along University Avenue and in University Heights this summer. Hoodline has recently covered multiple incidents nearby, including a daylight crossfire on 183rd Street in June and a July 18 pre-dawn encounter involving a masked gunman in blue Honda. Neighbors say the recurring gunfire has ramped up calls for more patrols and for anyone with footage or information to get it into the hands of investigators.
Detectives Want Tips, Video and Any Leads
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has security or cellphone video from early Monday to come forward as the investigation continues. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or online, and Spanish-language tips may be called in at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), according to CBS New York. The NYPD also encourages people to share relevant video on social channels or contact their local precinct directly with any leads.
