Police investigate shooting in Highbridge after gunfire erupts near school and mosque
According to witnesses, the shooting happened at approximately 2:15 p.m. on West 168th Street between Woodycrest Avenue and Nelson Avenue, an area surrounded by a school, a mosque and a homeless shelter.
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Police are investigating a gunfire incident in the Highbridge section of the Bronx on Friday afternoon, which left bullet damage to at least one nearby vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
According to witnesses, the shooting happened at approximately 2:15 p.m. on West 168th Street between Woodycrest Avenue and Nelson Avenue, an area surrounded by a school, a mosque and a homeless shelter.
Hours later, bullet holes could still be seen on a nearby car as investigators continued examining the scene.
Muhammad Damian, a nearby store employee, said he immediately knew something was wrong when people suddenly began running.
“I see people running. I was like, ‘Shots fired,’” Damian said.
Damian said the gunfire happened during a busy time in the neighborhood, as worshippers were finishing prayer services at a nearby mosque.
“It was pray time, people just finishing praying at the Mosque... when I heard shots fire, people run,” Damian said.
As the chaos unfolded, Damian said he and others inside quickly sought shelter.
“I stayed in my place, and after like 10 minutes I go outside since police came,” he said.
Police arrived at the scene around 2:30 p.m., shutting down traffic along West 168th Street between Woodycrest and Nelson avenues as officers canvassed the area and began investigating.
Although Damian said he has worked in the neighborhood for several years, incidents like this are uncommon.
“I’ve been here three years, doesn’t happen here that much,” he said.
Still, the daytime shooting has left some residents shaken.
Rami Gemie, who said he moved to Highbridge about six months ago, said the incident was particularly concerning because of the time of day.
“I’m so nervous about it. In the daytime, never usually happens in the daytime,” Gemie said.
Residents noted the shooting happened directly in front of a school and steps away from a mosque and homeless shelter, raising concerns about what could have happened had more people been outside when the gunfire erupted.
While investigators say no one was injured, some neighbors say more preventative measures are needed to improve safety in the area.
When asked what could be done to make the neighborhood safer, Gemie pointed to increased police visibility and better street lighting.
“Make more light in the street. Cops come passing by to make more police passing by so people can see there’s activity here,” Gemie said.
Police continue to investigate what led to the gunfire. No arrests have been announced.
