Gang violence driving up crime, shootings in parts of NYC

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) — While overall gun violence is down in New York City, gang violence is driving up crime and shootings in parts of the city, with residents in one borough feeling it the most.

Five Bronx precincts — the 40th, 42nd, 46th, 48th and 44th — are leading in shootings and causing concern for officers, according to the NYPD.

“The 44th precinct is leading the city,” Chief Keiyon Ramsey said.

PIX11 News obtained surveillance video that shows a 52-year-old mother at work at a flower stand on Fordham Road minutes before she was shot. Bullets hit her in her feet.

The woman is one of several innocent victims hit by bullets.

Ramsey said what the South Bronx has been dealing with over the past few weeks is part gang war, part quality-of-life issues.

“We are seeing barber shops turn into clubs … mechanic shops, anywhere people want to gather socially, it’s not traditional nightclubs anymore,” Ramsey said.

In many cases, a simple argument can lead to someone pulling out a gun. That’s what police believe happened at an overnight party on Walton Avenue. Two men were shot, both in their legs.

To help ease fears, Ramsey said the NYPD has a strategy. It includes deploying more officers to troubled spots in the Bronx.

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