A tragic shooting in the Crown Heights neighborhood has left the community shaken after 16-year-old Tyson Harps was fatally shot on Saturday evening, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Police say Harps was found with gunshot wounds to the chest and neck on St. Johns Place near Schenectady Avenue around 7:20 p.m. He was rushed to Kings County Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
No arrests have been made, and detectives from the 77th Precinct are actively investigating the case. Authorities have not released details about the motive but believe the shooting may be linked to an ongoing neighborhood dispute.
Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots before seeing the teen collapse on the sidewalk. The area, typically busy with families and small businesses on weekends, was cordoned off for several hours as investigators collected shell casings and reviewed surveillance footage.
Harps, described by friends as a “bright and kind young man,” was reportedly a student at a nearby public high school. His death marks the latest in a string of youth-related shootings that have sparked renewed concern about gun violence in New York City.
Community reaction:
Local residents and anti-violence advocates have called for increased patrols and youth outreach programs in Crown Heights.
“We’re losing too many of our kids,” said community activist Tamika Lewis. “It’s not just numbers — it’s families, dreams, and futures being erased.”
What’s next:
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Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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City officials are expected to address the rise in teen shootings at the upcoming Brooklyn Community Safety Forum next week.
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Counseling services will be offered at Harps’ school as students return to class on Monday.
