By Scott Sieber
Miraculously, the 32-year-old victim, whose name was not released, walked away from the incident, got into the back of a patrol car and was taken to the hospital even after he sustained two gunshot wounds to the chest and one to the arm, according to eyewitness accounts. “He was fine,” said a neighbor. “I saw him walk out and get into a car. There wasn't even an ambulance there.”He was transported to New York Hospital Queens in stable condition for treatment, police said.The woman who was the point of contention between the two men was not present during the dispute, according to police. “It seems to be a lovers' quarrel – two males arguing over a female,” Queens Borough North Inspector Sal Dipace.The shooter fled the scene in a white Plymouth Breeze and was believed to be heading toward Astoria, police sources said. It was unclear whether the shooter was the driver of the getaway car or if someone else was driving.Police said they were looking for a Hispanic male in his 30s.Neighbors said three men and three women lived in the multi-family home located at 15-18 121st St., one block east of College Point Boulevard in College Point.Police sources said the downstairs tenant inside the house heard screaming and gunshots and made the 911 call.Police arrived shortly after the 1:54 p.m. shooting and closed off the area, rousing the curiosity and the confusion of several neighbors who had not heard the gunshots. “There was a man yelling 'Call 911! Call 911!” a neighbor said. “But the police were already here.”One neighbor sat in a store on nearby College Point Boulevard and said she was worried about what she would find when she returned home.”Of course, I'm worried,” she said. “I don't want them coming after me.”Most residents said the neighborhood is generally a safe area where violent crime rarely occurs. Another neighbor said the victim of the shooting moved in several months ago and was a friendly person who helped her out with the occasional chore.”He took my garbage out one day being a nice neighbor,” she said.Reach reporter Scott Sieber by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
