Two Victims Shot During Flatlands Avenue Holdup

Two Canarsie residents who were walking on Flatlands Avenue to their homes after visiting with friends early last Sunday were shot by a man who tried to rob them, police said.

The names of the two male victims, both 20 years old, were not released by detectives from the 69th Precinct who are investigating the case. Both men were taken to Brookdale Hospital after the incident and both were eventually pronounced in stable condition by emergency room doctors.

Detectives said the incident happened at about 3:30 a.m. As the pair began to cross East 104th Street, a man wearing a black bandana approached them, displayed a black handgun and told the victims to give him their wallets. As one of the men handed the thief his wallet, the other grabbed him and a struggle ensued, with both victims pouncing on the robber. At this point, police said, the thief shot one of the victims in the right thigh and the other man in the left shoulder and the groin. He then fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Witnesses and drivers passing by on Flatlands Avenue saw the disturbance and called 911. Emergency Medical Service paramedics took the victims to the hospital.

The victims were only able to describe the shooter as black and wearing a black ski jacket.

Anyone who might have witnessed the holdup and shooting or who has any information is asked to call the local detective squad at (718) 257-6215 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. All callers’ names will be kept strictly confidential.