Police say two groups of girls were fighting Tuesday afternoon when two boys intervened. Instead of using their words, NYPD officers say one boy reportedly pulls and shoots the 16-year-old victim in the head and leg, killing him.
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A nearby worker ducked for cover behind a parked car when he heard the shot.
"When I heard two sounds, pop pop, I also run away, and then came and hid at one of the cars here," said Foster Sarpong, a parking lot attendant.
The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. at an outdoor pedestrian strip connecting Spring Street and Dominick Street. Nearby there is a hotel, museum and several schools. The open plaza is popular with tourists and students, especially on a blissful spring day.
"Sickening. That was a human on the floor. I worked in worse neighborhoods, never witnessed much like that," witness Justo Cruz said.
Detective believe the argument began in school, spilled out into the public space and then ended with one teenager dead.
"What is Mayor Adams going to do with all this gun violence," asked Thomas Libonati, a resident.
Authorities say the shooter and a friend got away on a Citi bike. Police hope it will not take long to track down whoever used a bike share as the getaway vehicle.
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The suspect may not even be old enough to drive.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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