A 15-year-old suspect was taken into custody after a shooting that killed a 20-year-old man and wounded four teenagers near Elm Street and Palisade Avenue in Yonkers at approximately 8:43 p.m. on Sunday.
The 20-year-old victim died from a gunshot wound and four teens, ranging in age from 14–16, were hospitalized.
The four surviving victims, ages 16, 15, 15 and 14, were also shot and remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
The victims were standing on a street corner when the gunman approached from across the street and stepped into the roadway before opening fire just before 8:45 p.m.
An on-duty police captain nearby heard the gunfire and, along with other responding units, immediately pursued the suspect.
The suspect was taken into custody at the scene.
Investigators recovered a loaded firearm and ballistic evidence at the scene.
Yonkers investigators said this was a targeted shooting, but they did not immediately provide any details about a possible motive.
Investigators believe the shooting was related to a gang turf dispute.
Charges against the teen were not released as of Monday morning.
First Deputy Chief Daniel Campanini said the suspect had not yet been arraigned and that the shooting is being investigated as a “group violence” incident at the police department’s gang unit.
Mayor Mike Spano expressed alarm at the speed of the violence.
“This incident took all of about five seconds,” he said.
“How’s a 15-year-old end up with a gun like that? We have to continue to be vigilant.”
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said this is the first homicide in Yonkers in 11 months.
“You’re gonna see a very heavy, constant police presence,” Campanini said.
Yonkers Police are deploying a “heavy and constant” police presence where the shooting took place and in nearby areas to deter any potential retaliatory incidents.
Police said there is a concern about retaliation and will be stepping up patrols and street presence in certain neighborhoods.
In the viral moment that unfolded Sunday evening,
the shooter stepped into the middle of the roadway and shot into a crowd of people
on a busy Yonkers street corner.
The teenage victims remained hospitalized in critical condition Monday and all are expected to live.