Watch CBS News

Chelsea Residents On Edge After Bicycle-Riding Assailant Shot 3 Men Overnight

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A shooting in Chelsea sent three men to the hospital early Saturday morning and now police are on the hunt for the alleged assailant.

Authorities say the group of men -- each in their 40's -- was standing together outside High End Deli on the 14th Street sidewalk near 8th Avenue around 3:30 a.m. when a stranger on a bicycle opened fire while riding past them. 

Two of the men were struck in the chest, while the third was hit in the groin and abdomen according to police. Witnesses described the chaotic early morning violence.

Jill Blazi, who lives nearby, told CBS2's Erin Logan she heard multiple gunshots.

"I heard about 10, 12 maybe. I was asleep so I didn't really think anything of it," she said. "I just thought it was a regular occurrence, like I said -- fireworks or something, or maybe a car backfiring."

For 12 hours, investigators combed the scene, finding at least 12 shell casings, blood, clothing and a shoe, Logan reported.

Jennifer Crawford also heard the gunshots.

"We came in from Washington, D.C., we're staying here, we were sound asleep. We woke up and I heard five gunshots. It woke myself up, me and my family," she said. "I could see someone who was on the ground. I could see people around that person who was on the ground."

"I was in the shop and heard four to five shots, I came out to see a guy on the ground and a black Suburban SUV running off from the scene," another witness said. 

Police say that SUV, which sped off, transported two of the victims to Bellevue Hospital Center. The third victim, who witnesses say was conscious at the time, remained at the scene and was later transported to the hospital by medics.

All three men are expected to survive, according to police.

As CBS2's Ali Bauman reports, 14th Street remained shut down 8th and 9th Avenue for much of Saturday morning as investigators searched for evidence to help track down their two-wheeled suspect.

Meanwhile, residents say this is not a regular occurrence in their neighborhood.

"It's very, very safe and family oriented," Blazi said.

All three men are expected to survive, according to police.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.