NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 15-year-old alleged gang member was arraigned Tuesday for murder and other charges for allegedly shooting and killing a motorist in Queens last month.
The teen boy, who is accused of discharging a 9 mm handgun multiple times following a dispute with a rival gang member, was indicted on a five-count indictment charging him with murder, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and assault, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced.
He is believed to be a member of the Bad Co gang and his rival a member of the Top Opp Makk Ballers gang, based on an ongoing investigation by the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.
According to the charges, on Sept. 16, at approximately 4:50 p.m., the teen is seen on video surveillance verbally arguing with another male in front of Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen restaurant at 117-13 Farmers Blvd. in St. Albans.
Shortly after the dispute, the teen is seen producing a firearm, pointing his arm toward the rival, who started to flee, and discharging his weapon.
William Alcindor, 66, was driving eastbound on Baisley Boulevard and shot multiple times as he approached the intersection of Farmers Boulevard and 117th Road in his Nissan Rogue, prosecutors said.
He was not the intended target, authorities said.
The SUV then veered off the street and onto the curb as the victim became incapacitated and hit a 23-year-old woman standing on the sidewalk.
Both victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries.
The woman suffered head trauma, a collapsed lung and lower body trauma that has continued to affect her ability to walk since being treated and discharged.
Alcindor suffered one gunshot wound to his forehead and two to his chest. Despite surgical efforts, he was pronounced dead later that night.
Officers later recovered six 9 mm shell casings on the ground at the intersection of 117th Road and Farmers Boulevard.
The teen is set return to court on Dec. 5. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years to life in prison.
"The defendant is accused of recklessly firing bullets across Farmers Boulevard in the middle of the afternoon, killing a 66-year-old father of three and leading to serious injuries for an innocent pedestrian," D.A. Katz said. "Our thoughts remain with the family of William Alcindor and the young woman recuperating from her injuries."