FAR ROCKAWAY — A Queens man was arrested Tuesday for shooting and wounding 10-year-old Briana Palmer while she was leaving her home early Saturday morning, officials said.
Lenard Crudup, 21, who authorities say belongs to the so-called Rowdy Gang, fired several shots into the courtyard of the Dix McBride Apartments, striking the girl just after 1 a.m. on Aug. 3., according to the Queens District Attorney's Office.
"Being outside on a warm summer night turned into a frightening experience for a young Far Rockaway girl when she was hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired by the defendant," said DA Richard Brown. "Physically, she will make a full recovery but the defendant's alleged reckless actions will cause her to carry the traumatic and emotional scars of that night for the rest of her life.”
The bullet struck Palmer above the hip and she was rushed to Long Island Jewish Hospital.
Crudup was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court Wednesday afternoon on charges including first and second-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child, prosecutors said.
He was held on $100,000 bail.
Detectives recovered two .380 caliber casings and one bullet at the scene, according to officials.
Crudup faces up to 25 years in prison in convicted.
He is due back in court on Aug. 28.
