A woman was struck by a stray bullet while walking in Harlem on Saturday afternoon, just weeks after another local resident was killed by gunfire in a similar incident. The shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m. on May 3 near the intersection of West 131st Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, a busy area frequented by pedestrians.
The 60-year-old victim was hit in the chest while walking through the neighborhood, prompting immediate responses from officers in the 32nd Precinct. Emergency Medical Services transported her to Harlem Hospital, where she is expected to recover from her injuries. As of now, authorities have not made any arrests related to this incident.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the moment of the shooting, showing the victim walking normally before she suddenly hunched over, mere moments before a couple pushing a stroller traversed the same area. This unsettling event adds to a growing concern over safety in the neighborhood, particularly following the shooting death of Excenia Mette on April 22.
Mette, a beloved grandmother known as “Momma Zee,” was also struck by a stray bullet during a gunfight between two men in the area. She was checking on her grandchild near Lenox Avenue and West 113th Street when she was tragically killed by a bullet that struck her in the head. In the wake of her death, Ricky Shelby, 23, turned himself in to authorities, claiming he was involved in the altercation that led to the fatal shooting.
The contrast between these incidents highlights the sense of vulnerability felt by residents in Harlem. Community leaders are calling for increased safety measures to address the rise in gun violence that has ended lives and shattered families. The sense of grief remains palpable, as many remember Mette’s impact on the community as a pioneering business owner.
As investigations into Saturday’s shooting continue, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Residents can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, with the option to submit tips anonymously online or via social media. The community’s collaboration is crucial as they seek solutions to combat the alarming frequency of gun violence that has marred their streets.
Both incidents serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for awareness and action against the backdrop of increasing gun-related crimes in urban neighborhoods. Harlem’s residents are left grappling with fear and uncertainty as they navigate their daily lives under the shadow of these tragedies.