A frightening scene unfolded on the Upper West Side of New York City Thursday morning as a gunman, allegedly a former employee, opened fire on his ex-boss, shooting him twice before fleeing into the subway system and escaping into Central Park. The search for the gunman, who remains at large, has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents and commuters on edge.
Early Morning Chaos in a Bustling Neighborhood
The incident took place around 9:00 a.m. on West 69th Street near Columbus Avenue, a busy area where families, workers, and residents were starting their day. According to police, the gunman fired at least six shots at his former employer, hitting him twice—once in the shoulder and once in the leg. Witnesses and bystanders reported hearing the shots echoing down the street, causing widespread panic as people scrambled for safety. One witness, Steve Green, recounted that he heard two loud gunshots before he saw the suspect pointing a gun, a sight that left him shaken.
Eyewitnesses described the assailant walking calmly away from the scene after the shooting, turning onto Columbus Avenue and making his way to the 72nd Street subway station. The entire area was soon engulfed in police activity as officers cordoned off the scene, interviewed witnesses, and worked to secure any video footage that could provide additional clues.
A Community in Fear and a Witness Account
For witnesses and local residents, the incident brought fear and disbelief. Steve Green, who had been sitting in his car on West 69th Street, reported hearing gunfire and seeing the alleged shooter with a gun in hand. Another bystander, Lucy Yang, was near the scene picking up food for delivery when she heard the gunshots. Visibly emotional, Yang recounted her reaction, describing how she immediately tried to flee the area out of fear for her life. “I hear the noise—pim, pim—they shoot here,” she said, describing the shocking sound of gunfire.
As witnesses and residents tried to make sense of the scene, police focused on gathering as much information as possible, piecing together the chain of events and any motives that might explain the shooter’s actions.
Subway Chaos as Police Search for the Suspect
The gunman’s escape route led police to the 72nd Street subway station, where officers believed he had entered a tunnel to evade capture. This prompted a lockdown of the station, and some subway services were temporarily suspended as officers combed through the area. Subway riders, caught in the tense situation, reported that police instructed them to lie down on the floor of the train for safety while officers conducted their search.
However, shortly after initiating the lockdown, investigators received new information indicating that the suspect had likely exited the subway system through an emergency exit at 76th Street. This change in direction sparked a second wave of police activity, with officers and police dogs converging on Central Park, where they combed the vast green space in search of the suspect.
Police Presence Heightens in Central Park
As the search intensified, Central Park became the focal point for the hunt. Officers patrolled the area on foot, while helicopters circled above, scanning the park from the air. For local residents, the heightened police presence brought both relief and concern, as the suspect remained elusive despite the extensive efforts to locate him. One resident, who lives only a few blocks away from the scene of the shooting, expressed her disbelief, stating, “This is unbelievable. It’s broad daylight, and someone just started shooting.”
Victim Condition and Continued Investigation
The 47-year-old victim, whose identity has not been publicly released, was rushed to a nearby hospital. As of the latest reports, he remains in stable condition. Authorities believe that the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute between the gunman and his former employer, though further details about their history have not been disclosed.
A Neighborhood Left on Edge
Thursday’s shooting on the Upper West Side has left residents rattled, particularly given its timing during daylight hours in a typically quiet and residential area. With the suspect still on the loose, the incident has raised concerns about safety and security in the neighborhood. The police have assured residents that they are deploying all available resources to locate the gunman and bring him into custody.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. They have released a description of the suspect based on witness accounts and security footage, in hopes that someone might recognize the individual and help facilitate his arrest.
Conclusion
The unsettling incident has underscored the unpredictable nature of violence that can disrupt everyday life, even in places where people feel most secure. With the suspect still at large, law enforcement officials continue their search, and the neighborhood remains on high alert. The shooting has not only left an ex-boss injured but also brought a renewed awareness of the importance of vigilance and community support in times of crisis.
