NYPD shoot at gunmen firing at house party in Laurelton, Queens; 4 people hurt
LAURELTON, Queens (WABC) -- The NYPD got into a shootout with a group of suspects who had opened fire on a house party in Queens late Friday.
According to police, close to 100 people were at the party at a home near 130th Avenue and 219th Street in Laurelton.
"At first I thought it was fireworks," neighbor Sophia Steadman said.
Steadman and her neighbor, Dwayne Franklin live next door to where the party happened and they said it seemed normal at first, but then chaos happened.
"Kids were running through my yard, I came out there, they couldn't get out because the gate was locked; so they had to climb over the gate," Franklin said.
According to police, around 11:35 p.m. three gunmen got out of a car and began shooting near the party and that's when police engaged the suspects.
Members of the Violent Crime Squad were monitoring the event in an unmarked car because they believed there would be potential for violence.
"They were here on the scene; and then shots were fired, of course, what do police officers do? They get involved," said Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Julian Phillips
Four men ranging in age from 16-24 were shot.
An 18-year-old was taken to Jamaica Hospital where he was listed in critical condition.
Three people were taken into police custody.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to call the Crime Stoppers hotline, 1-800-577-TIPS.
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