Manhunt underway after gunmen on scooters kill 1, injure 3 in the Bronx
NEW YORK -- An intense manhunt is underway for scooter-riding gunmen who opened fire in the Bronx on Tuesday night, killing one man and injuring three others.
Police searching for suspects in deadly Bronx shooting
Miguel Doleo, 29, was killed. Doleo and the three other victims were shot as they stood on the corner of East Mount Eden and Townsend avenues. Four men riding two separate scooters pulled up to the intersection and started firing at the victims, police said.
The four were last seen wearing all black, and had masks covering their faces.
"I heard about five popping noises," Bronx resident Jenny Alvarez said. "It's scary. This used to be a very safe neighborhood."
Investigators said at least 10 shots were fired. One of those bullets struck Doleo in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Watch Elijah Westbrook's report
The surviving men -- 23, 31 and 37 -- were shot in the leg. They're said to be undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
The NYPD is posting fliers around the neighborhood, asking for the public's help in finding the suspects. People could be eligible for a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone possessing an illegal handgun, and $2,000 for information that helps solve this particular crime.
Police said the men on both scooters took off on Townsend Avenue toward the Cross Bronx Expressway.
Police have not yet released a potential motive in Tuesday night's shooting. Officers remained stationed at the intersection late into Wednesday.
Bronx residents shaken by gun violence
People living in the neighborhood told CBS New York's Doug Williams the shooting symbolizes two things: first, the growing problem of illegal and unauthorized scooters and the gun violence that comes with it, and second, the crimes committed by a small number of people unfairly characterizing a neighborhood.
A street fair scheduled for this weekend is now moving indoors because of safety concerns.
"It affects us greatly," resident Lucette Clermont said.
"Most people here don't even own guns, haven't seen a gun in their life. Until we hear about stuff like this," a resident named Alex said. "It's not a representation of those who live here. The vast majority of us work hard, follow our laws, pay our taxes and we're just trying to live."
Some Bronx residents said they find it unsettling the gunmen are on the loose.
"Even though I come out and mind my business, but the possibility is still there. It's kind of unnerving," one man said.
"It's scary," community activist Sidney Flores said.
In the 44 Precinct, gun violence is up about 30% this year compared to l
Scooters "a huge issue" in the Bronx, residents say
Officials say illegal and unauthorized scooters, and the crimes committed by those who ride them, are a growing problem, especially in the Bronx.
"The scooters are a huge issue," Clermont said. "It's something that I hope will be acknowledged when it comes time to pass certain laws."
It's a hope that is shared with some state and local officials. Jenifer Rajkumar introduced legislation in the state Assembly just a few days ago that would require e-vehicles to be registered, insured and inspected.
"Scooters have become the vehicles of choice for perpetrators of crimes," Rajkumar said. "Right now, it's too easy for people to get their hands on a scooter or e-vehicle and use it for illicit activity. We even see a lot of criminals erasing the VIN number."
"Two scooters, four people, two guns. Four people get shot and one dies. We see time after time robberies with scooters. We see reckless driving with scooters. The whole city sees it. The whole city hates them," NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said.
"We have a little over 100 [Community Response Teams] from each patrol borough that's working up in the Bronx and focusing primarily on scooters," NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry said.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
