This morning’s rush hour in East Williamsburg turned out to be fatal for one brave man who, with a colleague, attempted to stop three men from stealing a car.
At 7:50AM, 53-year old man and his 57-year old colleague noticed a trio of men trying to break into a Toyota van parked at the intersection of Knickerbocker Ave and Grattan St. Two men didn’t hesitate and interrupted the break-in. They followed the trio around the corner where the thieves opened fire hitting the 53-year old men in the torso. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, reported DNAinfo.
Another bullet grazed his colleague’s chest and ear. This 57-year old man was taken to Elmhurst Hospital and is in stable condition, reported CBS Local.
Unfortunately, also a 13-year-old girl was passing by on her way to school, and a bullet grazed her hip. The girl was taken to Elmhurst Hospital and is said to be doing fine and her mother is with her.
As for the thieves, they fled the scene and were not immediately arrested, police said.
The incident leaves us not only saddened for a 53-year old man who tried to help but paid the highest price, but also leaves us full of questions — what should we do when we witness a crime? Because as we see, a direct involvement may kill you. According to NYPD, we should call 911 immediately. Be observant and make mental notes asking ourselves — are there any weapons involved; what is the address; are there any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars? What is their clothing description? How many people involved? Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle? Your safety comes first.
UPDATE: The 53-year old man killed in the shooting was identified as Michael Matusiak, a mechanic from the autoshop. He was killed after he stood up to a gang breaking into cars parked on Grattan Street. His fiancee told Brooklyn News 12 channel that Michael was a good man who always tried to help. A GoFundMe account has been opened in his name to collect donations to give Mr Matusiak a proper funeral.
NYPD has released a photo of a man wanted for questioning who they’re hoping to identify. A surveillance footage has been released on Tuesday shows a different suspect police are also searching for. Look at the photo and the footage on Brooklyn News 12.
