STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A 32-year-old man and his seven-year-old son shopping at Island Kosher in Meiers Corners Sunday afternoon were struck by a BB-gun fired from a passing vehicle after they exited the market, according to police and the victim.
Police said a white man driving a Black Ford Mustang with no license plates fired the BB gun from the vehicle at around 4:20 p.m. before fleeing the scene.
The victim, who asked not to be identified, told the Advance/SILive.com his son has a swollen ear after being struck by one of the pellets. The 32-year-old was also struck in the torso but said his jacket blunted the impact of the blow.
The NYPD is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, the department said.
The two were exiting Island Kosher Deli, located at the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Carmel Avenue, when the unprovoked attack occurred, the man said.
“We came out of the supermarket,” explained the 32-year-old victim. “He stopped, shot at us and flew away.”
Police said no arrests have been made. A motive for the incident was not immediately clear.
The NYPD had a visible presence at the store, which remained open Sunday evening, and the department could be seen canvassing the area.
This is a breaking news story. More information will be posted as it becomes available.