ALBANY, NY – A wave of violence swept through Albany last night, prompting a massive response from over 100 emergency personnel. City leaders, including Mayor Kathy Sheehan, gathered with the police chief and county district attorney this morning to address the incidents that left one individual in critical condition.
The first shooting erupted around 5:30 p.m. near North First Street and Jennings Drive, where a 15-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound to the foot. Later, as crowds were dispersing from a fireworks display at Empire State Plaza, chaos unfolded on Madison Avenue. According to Police Chief Brendan Cox, a juvenile altercation escalated when one minor fired a flare gun, igniting a large structure fire at 333 Madison Avenue. Another juvenile discharged a handgun.
The flare gun incident resulted in severe damage, requiring the demolition of a nearby home. Chief Cox expressed his concern over the situation, noting that parental oversight is crucial in preventing such dangerous behaviors.
The juvenile with the handgun injured four people: a 62-year-old woman, a 24-year-old woman, and two 17-year-old boys. One of the boys remains in critical condition after being shot in the head, while the others suffered less severe injuries.
Mayor Sheehan emphasized the dangers of providing firearms to minors, pointing to the previous night’s events as a stark reminder. Amidst the turmoil, a police officer was injured when an ambulance, responding to the scene, collided with a parked car, which then struck the officer. Fortunately, the officer has since been released from the hospital.
A third shooting occurred around 1 a.m. on Livingston Avenue, west of Henry Johnson Boulevard. A group of juveniles allegedly targeted five individuals sitting outside, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to three teenage girls, a 14-year-old boy, and a 41-year-old woman.
Authorities believe this was a targeted attack. Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon highlighted the complexity of the issue, urging community involvement to enact change, as arrests alone won’t resolve the deeper problems.
Currently, no suspects are in custody, and investigations continue. Officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could aid in solving these crimes.