Bronx gunman fired into crowd while trying to escape, targeting police, according to law enforcement.
On Labor Day, a shooting in the Bronx claimed the life of 25-year-old Jamari Henry and left four others injured during an apparent gang-related altercation. The incident unfolded at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Allerton Avenue, near White Plains Road, when five young men began firing into a crowd, resulting in tragic consequences.
Authorities report that four of the five suspects, including a 16-year-old, began shooting indiscriminately, ultimately leading to Henry’s death from multiple gunshot wounds. The fifth individual, who was allegedly driving a stolen Honda, attempted to evade capture but crashed into another vehicle during the police pursuit. Assistant District Attorney Burim Namani revealed that uniformed officers witnessed the shooting and quickly initiated a chase. One suspect reportedly leaned out of the vehicle’s window with a firearm aimed at pursuing officers but did not discharge the weapon before the crash occurred.
The vehicle collided at the intersection of Arnow and Hone Avenues, approximately half a mile from the shooting site. This collision resulted in one of the occupants being ejected from the car and subsequently hospitalized. All five victims of the shooting were transported to Jacobi Medical Center, where Henry succumbed to his injuries. The other four victims sustained non-life-threatening wounds but are expected to recover.
Police apprehended the suspects—Heron Martin, 21; Shamir Murray, 19; Kai Oulai, 19; and Jose Gomez, 18, along with the unnamed 16-year-old—at the scene. Each of the accused has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder and attempted murder, and all were denied bail during their arraignment. Namani indicated that the shooting is part of an ongoing dispute linked to the illegal marijuana trade, although it remains unclear if Henry was connected to any of the gangs involved.
The violence adds to a concerning trend in the Bronx, where shootings have risen significantly compared to other boroughs. According to reports, the Bronx has experienced a higher number of shootings and murders this year than Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island combined. In response, New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently announced the deployment of over 1,000 additional police officers to address the wave of violent crime. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that officers would be strategically positioned in areas previously affected by violence.
The tragedies stemming from gang-related violence underscore a growing public safety concern, with both local law enforcement and government officials grappling with how to quell this troubling surge. Observers note that while recent data suggests a slight dip in shootings compared to previous years, the ongoing challenges reflect the complexities of gang activity within the city’s neighborhoods.
As families mourn the loss of loved ones and communities grapple with the implications of such violence, the call for effective crime prevention strategies is becoming increasingly urgent.
