Food vendor shot after argument in Times Square
A street vendor was hospitalized after he was shot in Times Square early Wednesday morning.
The victim's co-worker said it all started with an argument over unpaid food.
The latest on the investigation
Police said the gunfire erupted just before 5 a.m. at 47th Street and Seventh Avenue, right across from Times Square's iconic TKTS booth and red steps. Ayaman Gzale, a 29-year-old vendor, suffered a gunshot wound to the right arm. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital and listed in stable condition.
At least four people, including the suspected gunman, were taken into custody at a nearby train station and were being questioned by police, sources say. The alleged shooter faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault. No one else has been charged at this time.
Police said they responded to a dispute between at least 10 people and multiple street vendors over an accusation of someone not paying for their food. A man named Mohammed, who is also a street vendor, said his family operates five food carts and several relatives tried to defend their business. He added Gzale, his co-worker, was working an overnight shift when a customer refused to pay.
"Tried to steal," Mohammed said.
Police said tensions escalated from there. Sources say someone pulled out a gun and fired from about 50 yards away. A tourist who didn't want to be identified said she heard several gunshots. A bullet hole was seen on the side of the food cart.
Times Square "is not safe like it used to be"
Mohammed said he has known the victim for three years, and has been in touch with his relatives.
"All his family in Egypt now, so everyone worried about him," Mohammed said.
Witnesses said it's disturbing that a shooting happened in such a busy, tourist-filled area.
"It's not safe like it used to be. Not safe no more in the street," Mohammed said.
"Ain't really safe for anybody to go in a place like that where anybody has a lethal weapon and shoot each other over some food or anything. That's petty," one person said.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. You can also submit a tip via their website. All calls are kept confidential.
