Police in New York are searching for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a woman who was on her way home from a McDonald’s in the Bronx.

The violent incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of East Tremont Avenue and Boston Road in the West Farms area of the Bronx. The victim, a 48-year-old woman who resided just a few blocks away, was returning from a nearby McDonald’s when she was struck by a stray bullet.

The victim was carrying bags of food from the fast food restaurant. She reportedly picked up the food for her four kids. After the shooting, the victim’s 51-year-old co-parent spoke to the media and described her as “an innocent person” who was gunned down while getting meals for her children. The victim’s children are between the ages of 11 and 15.

The victim was hit in the chest by a single bullet, according to authorities. She immediately fell to the ground, while witnesses to the shooting dialed 911 and alerted local law enforcement.

After the shooting, the victim was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital on Third Avenue. Doctors at the Bronx NY medical facility tried valiantly to save the victim’s life, but they were unable to do so; she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Meanwhile, police detectives investigated the shooting, which included speaking with witnesses and canvassing the surrounding area in search of evidence. Police reportedly found surveillance cameras from nearby buildings, but it is unclear at this time if the footage shows the suspect or the shooting.

Bronx Homicide Victim Struck by Stray Bullet

Detectives ultimately concluded that the suspect was probably not aiming for the female victim. Instead, he was allegedly trying to shoot a 19-year-old man who was also walking along East Tremont Avenue and standing near the victim at the time of the violent incident. The intended target sustained a minor gunshot wound as a result of the shooting. He later transported himself to Jacobi Medical Center on Pelham Parkway South in the Bronx. Doctors at the hospital treated him for his gunshot-related injuries and then alerted authorities.

According to police officials, the male shooting victim has not yet demonstrated a willingness to talk to investigators about the shooting incident. Police are currently saying that he is being uncooperative. Law enforcement indicated that the victim has an extensive criminal record that includes multiple arrests for drug possession charges.

The female victim’s co-parent also believes that the male victim was the intended target of the shooting suspect. Moreover, said the female victim’s former boyfriend, the shooting was likely a gang-related incident. He noted that this particular section of the Bronx is known as a haven for gang activity. Although homicides and other violent crimes were down in New York City in 2016, shootings are on the rise so far this year.

NY detectives are actively investigating the recent fatal shooting in the Bronx. Although a suspect has not been identified, law enforcement officials are hopeful that police will soon be able to identify and locate the gunman. Crime Stoppers is reportedly offering a reward to members of the public who provide information that leads to an arrest.

 

If you were charged with murder, assault, or any other type of violent crime in NY, you should speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer immediately. The experienced criminal attorneys at the LaDuca Law Firm can help you fight your criminal charges. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our office in Rochester, New York.