QUEENS — A woman used a hammer to fight off two gunmen who pushed their way into her Jamaica home and shot her and her state prison guard husband Sunday night, an NYPD spokesman said.
Sharon Floyd-Wright, 52, answered a knock at the door of their Mathias Avenue home, near 166th Street, about 7 p.m. and two men burst through and opened fire, police said.
Bullets hit her in the left shoulder and her husband, Henry Wright, 58, was shot in the torso and legs. He is a 35-year veteran with the state's Department of Corrections, officials said.
Floyd-Wright grabbed a hammer and whacked one of the gunmen over the head with it, sending them fleeing, police said.
The husband was listed in stable condition at Jamaica Hospital, police said.
The woman was also listed in stable condition at the same hospital, police said.
The shooters hadn't been arrested as of Monday morning and their motive was unclear, police said.
"I am shocked to learn of this horrific incident that injured one of our own correction officers," said Corrections' Acting Commissioner Anthony Annucci.
"On behalf of our entire department staff, we join with Henry's family and loved ones in wishing for a full and speedy recovery," Annucci added.
Floyd-Wright grew up on the block and moved back into the one-story house with her husband after her father passed away several years ago, said neighbors who described the couple as "good and friendly people."
“I saw her grow up here, they are very good friends of mine," said James Best, 82, who has lived across the street from the couple since 1967. "I love these people.”
“She is a very kindhearted woman, he is very quiet," said Evelyn Fowler, 69, who has lived nearby for 30 years.
Fowler said she was not surprised that Floyd-Wright defended herself and her husband.
"She is a strong, no-nonsense woman," she added. "She is very loving but she would tell you off."
Sharon Floyd-Wright (Facebook)
Neighbors said they were very disturbed to hear about the incident.
“It’s very shocking, it’s a very quiet neighborhood," Best said. "Nothing like this has ever happened here before.”
"We watch out for each other, but how can you watch out for that?" said another neighbor who did not want his name to be used.
