New Video Shows Violent Attack On Coney Island Boardwalk
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There is new video of a violent attack that happened during a crowded Easter Sunday on the Coney Island boardwalk just before another incident caused panic and sent crowds running.
The new video posted online shows a crowd standing by cheering and watching as a 16-year-old boy lying on the street is kicked in the head and stomped on outside Luna Park, CBS2's Magdalena Doris reported.
Police said the victim was rushed to Interfaith Medical Center by his mother suffering a punctured lung.
About an hour later, a 27-year-old woman was hit in the head with a bottle, the loud noises during that commotion being mistaken for gunfire.
"People were walking, they were trying to get out, they were climbing the fences," said witness Ruben Suazo.
"After the bottle was hit in the head with a bottle, two seconds we heard about four of five shots and we seen a whole group run towards the boardwalk," one witness said.
Police investigated and tried to calm the crowds, even taking to Twitter writing: "All reports of any shooting by the amusement area in Coney Island are false. There were no shots fired or anyone shot. #coneyisland"
But by that time, the fun on the boards was ruined and customers were either scared away or turned away as Luna Park closed early.
"All the rides are closed,"one woman said. "Nothing to do. We bought tickets for nothing."
Luna Park issued a statement on Sunday saying:
"This evening there were false reports of gun shots in Coney Island near Luna Park. This caused panic and confusion in the surrounding area. The entire Coney Island community regrets that this incident occurred. Luna Park resumed regular operation following a brief disruption."
Investigators don't believe the two incidents are related and so far, no arrests have been made in either case.
As Luna Park invites guest back this weekend, the 60th precinct will stepping up patrols now and throughout the rest of the summer.
