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Shocking Video Shows Deli Confrontation Escalate Into Shooting Of SUNY Student

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - There's been more gun violence in the city as an accidental bump ends with a college student shot.

Police say they've arrested the man accused of pulling the trigger outside a Queens deli.

Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison tweeted out surveillance video, applauding great detective work that resulted in the apprehension of Jeffrey Thurston in less than 48 hours.

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Jeffrey Thurston is accused of shooting a man outside a Queens deli on July 27, 2020. (Credit: CBS2)

Thurston, 27, can be seen in surveillance video standing in 136 Deli and Grill on Springfield Boulevard Monday at 4:30 p.m. as 20-year-old Malachi Capers walks in.

It appears Capers bumped shoulders with Thurston. Police believe that set Thurston off - he suddenly punched Capers in the face, and took off.

Capers ran out of the store, after him, and they fell onto the sidewalk, wrestling. The video fast forwards to Thurston pulling out a gun and shooting Capers in the stomach, police say.

Capers was rushed to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition.

William Kents is a regular at the deli and doesn't know Capers, but feels for his family.

LINK: Tracking Shootings In New York City

"I know his parents are heartbroken. You work so hard for something. It could be over with just like that. Seconds is all it takes," he said.

Thurston is now charged with attempted murder, assault and weapons possession.

Capers remains hospitalized in stable condition.

He went to Flushing High School in Queens, and is a student at SUNY Buffalo State, where he played defensive end for the football team in 2018. HIs former coach told CBS2's Natalie Duddridge he spoke to Capers' mother yesterday, who was grateful to everyone reaching out, but said her son was not doing well.

Watch Natalie Duddridge's report --

The college issued a statement wishing him a full recovery and saying "Malachi was a well-liked member of our football family during his freshman year in 2018 and has remained a friend to many in our program."

Back at the bodega, regulars believe Capers tried to defend himself, but say it's not worth it.

"You don't know what the next person is thinking. You just have to be aware of your surroundings," one person said.

Investigators say it does not appear the men knew each other, and the shooting appeared to be over an accidental run in.

The most recent stats from NYPD CompStat show shooting victims are up nearly 80%. So far this year, there have been at least 919 people shot, compared to 515 last year.

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