2 innocent bystanders among 3 shot in Times Square; teen suspect charged
TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Two innocent bystanders were among three people wounded by gunfire after an argument broke out in Times Square early Saturday.
The violence broke out just before 1:30 a.m. Saturday at West 44th Street and Seventh Avenue. Police say a 17-year-old got into an argument with a 19-year-old before the younger person pulled out a gun and fired at least three shots.
One of those bullets hit that 19-year-old in the right foot. Police say he was the only intended target and the two other victims are believed to be innocent bystanders. A 65-year-old man was shot in the left leg and an 18-year-old woman, reportedly a tourist who was visiting with her family, was grazed with a bullet in the neck. All of the victims are in stable condition.
The scene was chaotic, with police and paramedics trying to tend to the victims.
"It's not the first time here," said witness Ibrahim Moustafa, who said a friend of his was shot in the hand a while back on West 47th Street in Times Square, not far from where Saturday's shooting happened.
"I'm not safe but I work, what can I do? I work, I make money, what can I do? But it's not safe for me," Moustafa adds.
Vendors were closing up when the shots rang out -- the violence has them leaving things up to fate.
"I believe in God. If God says I left my home, I go back home, I am going to go back," said Seny Dia.
Tourist Luis Ardilla says it changes the perception for visitors.
"I think it changes it for all the U.S., but it sucks, just because there is little that is being done." Ardilla said.
Vendors who work in Times Square say fights like this one have become more common late at night, but they say anyone who wants to commit violence would be stupid to do it in Times Square.
"You can run but you cannot hide. You're never going to get away with these things. There's a camera all over here," said vendor Ndiasse Ndoya.
The alleged shooter was arrested and was hit with a laundry list of charges, including murder, even though no one died, because police say he intended to shoot the 19-year-old.
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