The victim, a jeweler, was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in critical condition. The victim has been identified as 43-year-old Louis Antonelli. The Staten Island Advance is reporting that Antonelli is a father of two who recently celebrated the birth of his daughter. He also has a 7-year-old son.
He was reportedly shot outside the El Sabor Tropical Restaurant. Police say he was found on a side alley at 280 Broadway with a black Yukon nearby.
Police say the incident was an attempted robbery, but it did not appear the suspects got away with anything.
Authorities say the suspects fled toward West Street. They are now searching for two men. They are described as two white men in their 30s. One of them is reportedly wearing a gray sweatshirt.
The victim is also an honorary member of the Sea Gate Police Department, which is not related to the NYPD. Sea Gate is a private, gated community on the far west end of Coney Island.
Antonelli apparently worked as a volunteer for the PBA and is not a police employee. Authorities say he was given the honorary member title from the deputy chief for all the work he has done in the department.
