CCTV footage has captured a horrific shooting event that unfolded in the middle of the day at a barbershop located in the Bronx. The incident transpired roughly around 2:15 p.m. on the 1st of September, at the junction of University and Burnside avenues, situated within the vicinity of University Heights.
The recording of this shocking event was picked up by multiple surveillance systems. The exterior camera of the shop documents two men riding a motorcycle up the sidewalk that runs directly in front of the barbershop. They then halt a short distance from the entrance.
The exterior footage reveals that, upon halting the motorcycle, the passenger dismounts while the driver stays on the vehicle. The dismounted individual then ambles up to the barbershop’s entrance. From the front waistband of his trousers, he withdraws a gun.
Following these chilling actions, the man proceeds to fire an estimated three shots into the front section of the barbershop. Specifically, the assailant targeted the shop’s front glass window and door before fleeing the scene on foot.
The shop’s interior surveillance feed displayed a scene of ensuing panic. The footage showed the immediate reaction of both customers and employees as they made an attempt to find safety by dropping to the floor. At the moment of the shooting, the barbershop was hosting a large population, consisting of no fewer than twelve people, some of which were children.
CCTV recordings made in the aftermath of the shooting show evidence of at least two bullet impacts on the front window of the barbershop. A third bullet hole was found on the glass door of the shop. Luckily, none of the bullets hit any person within the premises at the time.
Despite the surprising lack of direct bullet casualties, a 31-year-old patron did suffer injuries. The man was struck by shards of the shop’s glass window that fragmented due to the bullet impacts; he incurred lacerations which were treated on-site.
Representatives from the barbershop were contacted for comments by CBS News New York. They claimed not to recognize the assailant and could offer no explanation as to what triggered the seemingly unprovoked attack.
One of the workers at the barbershop expressed a sentiment of bewilderment and fear. The worker stated, ‘We have never had any troubles with anyone.’ This sentiment was underwritten by questions regarding personal safety, as the employee admitted to feeling scared to come to work in light of the event.
Despite the recent traumatic event, operations carried on at the barbershop. While in conversation with the staff on a Saturday following the incident, they expressed the sentiments, ‘We need to work. We have no option but to continue to work.’
Unfortunately, the attacker remains at large. The local law enforcement authorities have not made any arrests yet, and they have not released any identification details about the suspect.
Interestingly, despite the gunman’s clearly visible face during the shooting, no mask was used disguising his identity. An employee from a nearby phone shop voiced hope that the police would catch the suspect soon and remarked, ‘They just gotta do what they do.’
Presently, the investigation into the shooting remains open and ongoing. Various aspects and avenues are being pursued in order to bring the perpetrator to justice.
On a city-wide scale, there has been an observed decrease in shooting incidents, reporting an 11% reduction compared to the same time frame during the previous year. Conversely, crime statistics paint a different image for the NYPD’s 46th Precinct.
In the 46th Precinct, the area where the barbershop is situated, a worrying trend is emerging. This precinct has experienced a disconcerting increase of 10% in shooting incidents compared to figures from the previous year.
The barbershop shooting incident highlights the constant threat of gun violence that public spaces can face. It reinforces the requirement for increased vigilance, safety measures, and more effective crime prevention.