Search on for gunman following double shooting in Manhattan park
NEW YORK -- The NYPD says a gunman opened fire in crowded Tompkins Square Park in broad daylight on Saturday.
Two people, who police said were innocent bystanders, were injured. It happened somewhere in the park close to benches and playground.
The NYPD is on high alert, with officers patrolling the area on foot and in cruisers.
"Wow, that is really scary," said Jennifer Lee of Chicago.
"This is not something you want to hear. We're just walking to the park trying to have a nice day," added Isabella Caria of Dyker Heights.
The gunfire erupted just before 1 p.m. CBS New York was told the gunman was being harassed by a number of people when he pulled out a gun and started firing.
Police said five shots rang out. A man between 26 and 30 years old was hit in the buttocks and a 53-year-old woman was shot in the hip. Both victims were transported to Bellevue Hospital and are listed in stable condition.
Police said the suspect took off towards East 9th Street and First Avenue. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie.
"It's bad, obviously, and I feel like at a certain level you're a little numb to it because it feels like these things happen a lot more often than they used to, especially with what happened on the train a few days ago. A lot of people were out and could have gotten hurt. I don't know what the solution is, but I think something has to happen," Brooklyn resident Jeff Nelson said.
"Even on the subway, I take it every day and you just never know, so it's scary," added Madison Delas of the Upper East Side.
Public safety is top of mind following Thursday's shooting on a train in Brooklyn that was packed with passengers during rush hour. However, the NYPD's most recent crime data shows shootings citywide are actually down 17% as of March 10. Shooting victims are down 20%.
A lot of residents are on edge as the search continues for the gunman.
"Any one of us could've been those victims," Lee said.
"There's a lot to be done with keeping people safe," said Mollie Wiltzius of the Upper East Side.
The motive for the initial assault that led to the shooting in Tompkins Square Park is unknown.
"I don't want my home to be somewhere I don't feel safe walking around. It's really sad," Caria said.
The investigation is ongoing.