One teenager and two 20-year-olds were shot on Jamaica Avenue in what was according to witnesses, likely gang-related activity.
The shootings took place outside a Jamaica Avenue Wendy’s this afternoon at approximately 3 p.m. Two victims were shot in the leg, with one taking a bullet to the arm.
The victims were a 17-year-old black male and two 20-year-old Hispanic males, according to police.
Published reports indicate that the victims were members of the gang MS-13.
All three were taken to Jamaica Hospital and are listed in stable condition.
Jamaica Avenue was closed down between Queens Boulevard and 139th Street as dozens of police officers canvassed the area.
There are no descriptions of the suspects, police said.
Students from nearby M.S. 217 said they saw one victim with a gunshot wound to the left arm on their way home from school. The teens said that while gang activity is an issue in the area it had not escalated to gun violence before.
Jack Sharma, who lives one block away from the shooting, bemoaned teenager’s lack of respect for life.
“Kids don’t value life,” Sharma said. “It’s bad for my neighborhood.”
Sharma’s 16-year-old daughter saw the shooting’s aftermath as she picked up her brother and sister from school.
“This neighborhood is quiet,” Sharma said. “I did not expect this. It’s too close to home.”
