Police: LI Mechanic Damages Car, Shoots Gun At Auto Shop After Being Fired
VALLEY STREAM, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A 32-year-old mechanic caused thousands of dollars in damage to a car and fired gunshots into a Long Island auto repair business after being fired from his job, police said.
Christopher Hicks became enraged after he was fired Monday afternoon at County Truck and Auto in Valley Stream, Nassau County police said.
"My back was still turning. I was doing work, I heard 'bam," Winston Lawrence told CBS2's Jennifer McLogan.
Lawrence heard the commotion, and couldn't believe his eyes or his ears.
Hicks allegedly picked up a muffler and threw it at a vehicle, causing about $3,000 in damage. He then went to his car, got a handgun and fired two shots into the open bay doors where several employees were working, police said.
"When I looked, I saw him with the gun and he came around the car and I turned and faced him. I heard 'bam' again, that's when I ran," he said.
Security cameras that were rolling allegedly showed Hicks pulling the trigger.
Bullets whizzed past Lawrence's face and lodged int he engine compartment next to him.
Police responded and Hicks was arrested. His mother remained silent following her son's arraignment on attempted assault, and other charges.
"The judge remanded him so no bail has been set," defense attorney Anthony Mascolo said.
Mascolo said his client maintained his innocence.
Employees returned to work, but said they hadn't slept a wink.
"Heard the shots, and just run and hide. I don't know what this guy is capable of doing next," Ralph Roopnerine said.
Police said it's incredible that the bullets missed.
"There is this part in the bible. Daniel in the lion den, and I was in that den with bullets, and god brought me out," Lawrence said.
Surveillance video is said to be of excellent quality, it is now in the hands of investigators and may lead to increased charges.
A bullet nearly struck one of the employees in the head.
No one was injured.
As for the customer whose car received $3,000 in damage from a smashed back window -- he's just happy no one was hurt.
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