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Police Believe Victims Of Staten Island Double Murder 'Targeted'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Residents are on edge as the search continues for a masked man who police said gunned down two other men on Staten Island Tuesday night.

Authorities are questioning a person of interest in the double murder they say took place inside a small business loan company in Dongan Hills just after 6 p.m.

Police say the masked gunman stormed into Universal Merchant Funding Tuesday and fired at the owner, 57-year-old Michael Genovese, and his 52-year-old male employee multiple times.

Both men were struck in the head and killed, according to investigators.

"Each male was shot three times at close range and we have six rounds," NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said. "We don't believe it's a robbery. We believe that one or two of these men were purposely targeted by the shooter."

Police were first called to the scene after a woman called 911 reporting shots fired. Police said there was another employee inside who was able to get away, 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported. He flagged someone down and also called 911.

When officers arrived, they found both men in a back office.

"There is cameras in the store itself, but not in the office where it happened," Boyce said.

For people living in the quiet, residential neighborhood, they say watching their block turn into a crime scene is disturbing, especially with the shooter still on the run, CBS2's Janelle Burrell reported.

"Pretty shocking because this neighborhood has never seen any crime like that," said neighbor Phil Denis.

"Just scary as all hell," neighbor Tommy Casey said.

"It's a little bit terrifying when you lived in this neighborhood all your life," said neighbor Joe Salemmo. "This is devastating, makes you want to move from the neighborhood because you don't feel safe anymore."

The 52-year-old employee has not yet been identified.

Police said the suspect fled the scene in a silver car.

The person of interest was picked up in Brooklyn, according to police. No charges have been filed and the investigation remains ongoing.

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