WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — A pair of men shot up a teen girl's birthday party in Washington Heights after getting into a dispute with a bouncer — leaving one person injured, police and official sources said.
The men were escorted out of the Fellowship Hall Rental at 2005 Amsterdam Ave., near 159th Street, at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Sunday after they got into a dispute with security at a quinceañera — a birthday party for a 15-year-old girl.
Suddenly, one of the men pulled out a gun and shot several rounds toward the venue, police said.
A 22-year-old woman, who was nearby when the shooting began, was hurt, although police said she did not “sustain a gunshot wound.”
Police wouldn’t confirm how the woman was injured, although they did say she brought herself to Metropolitan Hospital through private means.
“The party was over… it was way after the party had ended,” said Glen Bethune, a spokeswoman for the Fellowship. “It was when the DJ and band were taking their equipment down, and someone started a fight and security walked them to the door and walked them out and next thing you know… a person pulled out a 25-caliber and fired five shots. Fortunately, no one was hurt.”
Glass at the hall's entrance door was shattered due to the dispute, Bethune said.
The hall — known for regularly hosting baby showers, christenings, birthday parties and housing a senior center — is managed by the Fellowship Hall Rental, which is owned by the Church on the Hill on 975 St. Nicholas Ave., an official for the hall rental said. They provide the security and guards for events.
Police said they're still investigating the nature of the dispute.
