A group of men began shooting into a crowded Queens house party Friday night, prompting members of the NYPD who were monitoring the party for suspected gang activity to return fire.
The group of men began shooting into the party at a home in Laurelton around 11:30 pm
“They pulled out at least three firearms and they started firing into the vicinity of where the party is at,” said NYPD Chief of Patrol Jeff Maddrey at a press briefing around 2 am on Saturday.
Maddrey said there were approximately 75 to 100 people at the party.
He also said members of the NYPD’s plainclothes Violent Crime Unit had been stationed outside in an unmarked car, based on concerns that there could be conflict among rival street crews there.
When the group began shooting, Maddrey said the officers exited their vehicle and exchanged gunfire with them. Four people, ages 16, 17, 18, and 24, were taken to area hospitals. Police said the 18-year-old was in critical condition. They did not have additional details about whether there were any other injuries. Three guns were also recovered from the scene.
No police officers were struck by gunfire.
Police are asking for anyone with information about this incident to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or in Spanish at, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website or on Twitter @NYPDTips.
This is a developing story.