Cops hunt for SUV used in shooting of mom walking with baby in stroller, police say
Police on Saturday released images of the black SUV sought in the drive-by shooting of a 28-year-old mother hit by a stray bullet as she walked down a Far Rockaway, Queens, street with a 2-year-old baby in a stroller and a 5-year-old child at her side.
Someone from the Acura MDX opened fire as the SUV approached Mott Ave. near Cornaga Ave. about 6:45 p.m. Friday, cops said.
A barrage of bullets hit the 28-year-old mom in the back and right arm, but her two children were not harmed, cops said.
A 44-year-old man standing near her — who police believe was the gunman’s actual target — was shot in the left arm.
Investigators believe the gunman was aiming at the older man because of his gang affiliations, a source with knowledge of the case said. It was not immediately clear if the mom, who also has a criminal record, knew him, cops said.
EMS took both victims to Jamaica Hospital, where they were expected to survive.
The shooting took place about two blocks away from the 101st Precinct station house and occurred on the same day as the funeral for Azsia Johnson, the 20-year-old mom brutally gunned down while pushing her infant daughter in a stroller on the Upper East Side.
The SUV raced down Mott Ave. for two blocks before turning south on Caffery Ave, cops said. Investigators released surveillance images of the escaping SUV in the hopes someone recognizes it.
Anyone with information regarding this incident, or the vehicle, is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
