Police respond to reports of shots fired on 35th Avenue; person of interest taken into custody without incident
By Sadia J. Choudhury | New York
JACKSON HEIGHTS, Queens — A quiet residential block in Jackson Heights was transformed into the scene of a major police operation Friday evening after a reportedly armed man barricaded himself inside an apartment, prompting a rapid response from the NYPD.
Officers from the 115th Precinct responded to a 911 call at approximately 6:40 p.m. on Sept. 4 reporting shots fired at 85-05 35th Ave. Officers arrived within minutes at the Queen Elizabeth Apartments, located just a few blocks west of the precinct.
Upon arrival, police were informed by residents that a man had barricaded himself inside one of the building’s apartment units.
Given the potential threat, members of the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit (ESU) were dispatched to the scene. ESU officers entered the apartment and took a person of interest into custody without incident, according to an NYPD spokesperson.
No Injuries Reported
Despite the initial report of shots fired and the ensuing police operation, no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The situation was brought under control after ESU officers gained entry to the apartment and took the individual into custody.
As of midday Saturday, however, no arrests had been made, according to the NYPD spokesperson. The distinction indicates that investigators had not yet formally charged anyone in connection with the incident.
Investigation Continues
Police are continuing to investigate what led to the reported gunfire and subsequent barricade situation. Detectives are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the 911 call, what occurred inside the apartment and whether a firearm was involved.
The incident drew a significant police presence to the normally quiet residential block Friday night, as officers worked to secure the building and protect residents while the standoff was brought to a peaceful conclusion.
For neighbors at the Queen Elizabeth Apartments, the sudden arrival of police and ESU officers served as a dramatic disruption to an otherwise ordinary evening.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as the NYPD continues to determine exactly what happened inside the Jackson Heights apartment.
No further injuries were reported, and authorities had not announced any arrests as of midday Saturday.
