NYPD: 24-Year-Old Anthony Ali Shot Dead In Suspected Case Of Road Rage In Queens
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Investigators say a Queens man was shot and killed after confronting a driver who crashed into his car.
CBS2's Natalie Duddridge spoke with the victim's heartbroken family.
"They shot my son last night. I don't know why," said Mahamood Ali.
The father of 24-year-old Anthony Ali is still trying to process the death of his son, killed in what police believe was a shooting fueled by road rage.
Anthony told his parents he was coming home to walk his new puppy.
"My son is a very good guy. Come home, he say that he's coming back," Mahamood Ali said.
"He said 'OK mommy, I'm on my way home,'" Anthony's mother Sharda said.
Officers say Ali was driving near 89th Avenue and 116th Street around 10 p.m. when the driver of a black Infiniti sedan hit the back of his car. Investigators say Ali had words with the driver, who then pulled out a handgun.
Police say Ali tried to drive off, but he was shot in the face and chest, and crashed into a light pole.
"His friend called me and said somebody shot Anthony. I said 'What happened?' He said the guy hit Anthony's car from the back and side, and shot Anthony," Sharda said.
Police say a male passenger was in the car, but not hurt.
Friday morning, a friend showed up at the scene at a loss for words.
"He was a good kid. Not trying to bother anybody. Trying to promote his jewelry," he said.
Anthony's uncle say he loved fashion and cars, and just bought his a few months ago.
"I lose my nephew, 24 years old," said uncle Moneer Ali. "Our mayor needs to do something about this. Too many guns."
"I miss my son very much. I don't know how I'm going to live without him," Sharda said.
Police say the suspect took off in a black Infiniti sedan that may have front end damage.
Residents in the area said they can't believe a road rage dispute happened on such a quiet residential street.
"What's even more sad is that people are in such a rush for things that when they make a mistake, instead of taking responsibility of it, they pull out a gun, and a person ends up losing their life over a simple drive," said Richmond Hill resident Chavez Robinson.
Police said the suspect took off in a black Infinity sedan that may have front end damage. They're asking anyone with possible tips to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 or for Spanish, 1-888-577-4782. Tips can also be sent to the NYPDTips Twitter account or submitted online at NYPDCrimeStoppers.com.
