Police Investigating After Staten Island Couple Shot On Steps Of Home
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A couple is recovering at a hospital after being shot while standing outside of their Staten Island home.
Now, police are looking for the shooter.
As CBS2's Emily Smith reported, the longtime home of a happily married couple became a crime scene Sunday when 63-year-old Pat Schmidt and her 71-year-old husband Edward fell to the ground on their front steps -- shot in broad daylight.
"I heard one gun shot go off in that direction over near the park area...and then I heard at least 10 to 12 go off afterward," said neighbor Ronald Allen. "I ran to the window and saw a lot of people running."
"At first I thought they were fire crackers so I wasn't thinking too much of it. But then I heard a lot more," said Jesse Allen.
The shooting happened around 5:30 p.m. at 224 Jersey St. Pat was struck by a bullet in the arm, Edward in his torso.
"When I came down, they said Miss Pat got hit and I said 'Oh my God, her of all people?'" said Allen.
Witnesses told police the shots came from a group riding dirt bikes. Authorities do not believe the shooter intended to target the couple, Smith reported.
But other than that, police do not have any suspects or a motive.
Neighbors said the Schmidts enjoy gardening, their children and grandchildren.
"Miss Pat, she to me, is a pillar of the community and pretty much a mother figure," said Allen.
The couple is being treated at Richmond University Medical Center. Their injuries are serious but both are expected to survive.
Police are going door-to-door in the neighborhood hoping to find out more about the shooting.
