The family of the individual who lost his life during a treacherous drive-by shooting in a Bronx playground are in a tireless quest for answers following the brutal taking away of life.
Miguel Cruz, a 47-year-old man, was peacefully sitting within the playground located on Sedgwick Avenue, close to Bridge Park around 6:31 p.m. on Friday when an unsettling blast of gunfire broke the stillness, according to police reports and witness testimonials.
As detailed by an anonymous neighborhood resident, ‘He was calmly seated at the park when a scooter passed by him; tragically, he was the sole victim of the shots.’
Cruz was struck in the head by a bullet during this fatal episode, local law enforcement reported. In a swift attempt to save his life, paramedics transported him to St. Barnabas Hospital. He was in a state of cardiac arrest and, sadly, later succumbed to his injuries.
A local female resident expressed her shock, ‘It’s both startling and terrifying that such a gruesome incident could occur in a playground, a haven meant for children and families. It’s an utterly senseless act.’
Cruz, who was reportedly ‘only visiting,’ had previously resided in the vicinity, according to the woman.
A family member of Cruz expressed, ‘He was leading a normal life; he was gainfully employed. He was a beacon of goodness to his mother, a responsible and caring father, and provided for his children.’
Other community members were equally grieved by Cruz’s sudden demise. Witnesses remembered Cruz’s engaging demeanor and how he always offered a greeting as he passed by.
One local resident testified, ‘He was a good person. He would always extend a friendly ‘hi’ to me whenever he passed. It was truly heartbreaking news.’
The resident further articulated her grief, ‘I feel deeply for him. Such a tragic end was not at all what he deserved.’
The initial round of police investigations had been focused on locating a white Mercedes, which was thought to have been the vehicle involved in the shooting. This vehicle stood out due to its tinted windows.
However, as per the newer leads from law enforcement insiders, the investigators have started to believe that the perpetrator may actually have been aboard a scooter and not in a car.
Until the evening of Saturday, no individual had been taken into police custody in connection with the killing.
This tragic event not only robbed a man of his life but also left a community in shock and mourning.
Cruz is remembered by those who knew him as a lover of peace, a good son, father, and a hard worker, making his death feel even more senseless.
As the search for answers continues, the family of Miguel Cruz and the community of Sedgwick Avenue grapple with the loss of a loved one and a presence that once added warmth to their neighborhood.