Man charged with attempted murder in Upper West Side shooting that sparked manhunt

Police believe the suspect is a disgruntled former employee
Friday, November 8, 2024
UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- A person of interest was taken into custody Friday morning in the Upper West Side shooting that caused chaos on the subway system Thursday morning.

Eduardo Diaz, 42, of Queens, is charged with attempted murder, assault causing injury risk of death, assault recklessly causing serious injury with a weapon and criminal possession of a weapon loaded firearm.

Authorities believe Diaz was a disgruntled former employee at a computer repair shop near 68th Street and Columbus Avenue who shot his ex-boss after he was fired.

The suspect had worked remotely, according to employees, but showed up at the shop and allegedly confronted his boss, Boris Shapiro.


Their dispute moved to the street where police say Diaz opened fire. The suspect fired at least a half dozen times, striking the victim twice in the leg and shoulder.

Shapiro was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside and is expected to survive. His workers were too rattled to speak on camera but told Eyewitness News he's doing fine.



The search the for Diaz led to temporary subway delays across Manhattan when he fled to the subway station at 72nd Street and Central Park West.

Authorities had the power turned off so officers could walk the tracks in case the suspect was hiding in the subway tunnel north of the station.

Some passengers had to be evacuated and A/B/C/D trains were delayed for the investigation.

Additionally, some subway riders said they were told to lie on the floor of the train as police searched for the suspect.

Investigators believe the suspect may have left the subway through an emergency exit at 76th Street and they continued to search for him in Central Park on Thursday afternoon.

NYPD officers look into subway grate at 76th Street.





It is not yet clear where Diaz was found.

----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More Manhattan news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.