16-year-old arrested after shootout outside Bronx deli left 5-year-old girl grazed by a bullet.

Police in the Bronx have made significant progress in their investigation of a recent shooting incident that left a five-year-old girl with a bullet graze wound. The authorities announced on Thursday that they have arrested a second suspect, a 16-year-old boy who has been charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the violent altercation that occurred on May 13. Due to his age, the suspect’s name has not been disclosed.

This arrest comes shortly after another suspect, a 15-year-old boy, was taken into custody on Saturday. Both individuals face similar charges related to the incident that took place outside the Southern Blvd. Gourmet Deli and Juice Bar in Longwood around 5:40 p.m. on that fateful day.

According to police reports, the little girl was holding her mother’s hand when approximately 12 men engaged in a shootout in front of the deli. Witness accounts suggest that the violence escalated quickly, as the girl’s mother had just warned her of the impending confrontation when the gunfire erupted. The mother described seeing one of the suspects grab a bag of marijuana from a rival shortly before the shots were fired.

In the chaos, the mother rushed her daughter into a nearby beauty supply store to seek safety from the barrage of bullets. Medical personnel subsequently confirmed that the girl had sustained a graze wound to the area behind her right ear. She was quickly transported to Harlem Hospital, where she is reportedly receiving treatment that includes antibiotics administered through an intravenous line, alongside pain medication.

Authorities suspect that gang involvement may be connected to the shootout, as investigators delve deeper into the affiliations of the groups involved. Police have circulated images of three additional suspects as they seek public assistance in gathering more information regarding the incident.

Community members with any knowledge related to this case are encouraged to reach out to Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All tips provided will remain confidential as authorities continue their efforts to restore safety and apprehend those responsible for this alarming act of violence in the Bronx.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding youth involvement in gang-related activities and the prevalence of gun violence in urban areas, prompting calls for sustained community engagement and intervention strategies to address these critical issues.