Sources: Man Accidentally Shoots Himself In Times Square Subway Station
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - There were frightening moments in Times Square on Monday after gunfire erupted inside a subway station.
CBS2's Nick Caloway learned new information about the man who first told police he was a victim.
The man who was shot initially told police he was struck by a stray bullet, but his story later changed.
At the Crossroads of the World, yet another shooting sent someone to the hospital. This one, though, appears to be self-inflicted.
Police sources told CBS2 the man shot himself when his loaded gun accidentally discharged in the subway station at 40th Street and 7th Avenue.
The suspect told police he was the victim of a shooting, before admitting the gun went off in his waistband.
The shot rang out just after noon, and the ensuing chaos left some people rattled.
"This is nasty. It feels like the 1980s and '90s again," said Steven Stewart, who works nearby.
Others who work in the area say Times Square and surrounding areas have been overrun with violence and drug crimes. The NYPD has reported three shootings so far this year in the area.
"I think we need more people out here. I think we need more cops out here. I don't think it's safe at all," said Harlem resident Tina Sims.
"Clean this up, man. I work here. Clean it up. We need it," Stewart said.
The man who was carrying a loaded gun and shot himself was identified by police as 39-year-old Shawn Santiago of Brooklyn. Police sources said Santiago has gang ties, and has been arrested multiple times in the past for assault.
Police said Santiago is expected to be OK, and he will likely face charges.
Nick Caloway contributed to this report.
