By Heather Grossmann and Patrick Hedlund
DNAinfo Staff
LOWER EAST SIDE — Three people were shot on a "dangerous" stretch of Stanton Street Tuesday night, police and neigbors said, reportedly over a fight between the gunman and one of his victims.
The shootings occurred near 189 Stanton St., between Attorney and Ridge streets, about 9 p.m., police said.
The gunman opened fire, hitting a 35-year-old man in the torso, a 43-year-old man in the leg, and a 51-year-old woman in the arm, police said. The injuries were not considered life-threatening, police added.
The elementary school PS 140 and two playgrounds sit just around the corner from the scene of the shooting.
Residents and workers on the street said the area is a hangout for young people in their teens and early 20s who frequently squabble and fight.
"That's their little hot spot right there," said George Diller, 42, who works at 190 Stanton St., referring to the area outside the building where the shooting occurred. "It's ridiculous over here. They're always arguing."
Diller said he's seen regular fights on the block, and an increased police presence more recently.
"It's crazy around here, especially Friday and Saturday," said Vicente Flores, 45, who lives at 190 Stanton St. He said he heard six or seven gunshots and saw a man wounded in the leg in the street.
"Around here, it's dangerous," he said.
The fight was believed to have been sparked by an earlier argument between the shooter and at least one of the victims, the New York Times reported.
The Daily News added that the shooting could have been related to a drug deal.
"The best way you can put it is they have their pharmacy open," Diller said, in regard to the alleged drug dealing. "I've kind of been waiting for it to happen."
Others agreed that the street has become a hub for activity during the afternoon and evening.
"It's not surprising," said Erica DeNardo, 22, an employee of Demar Plumbing Corp., at the corner of Stanton and Attorney streets, who was not at work when the shooting occurred.
"There's always action outside."
The superintendant of a building at 154 Attorney St., between Stanton and Houston streets, also called the area a "hot spot."
"The freaks come out at night," said the man, who used to live nearby on Forsyth Street and declined to provide his name. "That's a true statement at that corner."
Police said Wednesday morning that there had been no arrests made in the case. The investigation is ongoing.
