Law enforcement in New York City and surrounding areas is conducting an intense manhunt for a suspect who set off a smoke bomb on a subway car in Brooklyn Tuesday morning then opened fire, shooting at least 16 people and injuring a total of 29. Reports say none of the victims have life-threatening injuries.
The suspect's pistol reportedly jammed during the attack and he chose to exit the scene, which may have prevented further carnage.
New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell released a description of the gunman. He's described as a Black man, 5'5" tall with a heavy build, wearing a green construction type vest, and gray hooded sweatshirt.
Detectives have made significant process and believe they have a good idea for whom they are searching, though Mayor Eric Adams declined to elaborate further, ABC7 reports.
Officers across the city have been ordered to be on the lookout for a U-Haul with Arizona plates and were urged to use caution and markdown its location if they see one matching the description, according to an email sent to the entire patrol force, the New York Post reports. Note: All U-Haul vehicles that are owned by the Phoenix-based company have Arizona plates.
Police say the shooting happened on a Manhattan bound N train making express stops just before 8:30 a.m., and that the suspect was seen mumbling to himself before donning the gas mask and removing a canister from a bag before the car began to fill with smoke.
Shell casings were recovered on the train and on the platform along with a handgun that had three extended round magazines. One in the gun jammed. Multiple smoke devices and a bag of commercial grade fireworks were also recovered.
There were also reports of "suspicious packages" at the scene. But these proved to be unfounded.
Police in other cities are stepping up security on transit lines.
``We're in contact with our local, state and federal partners, and as always, providing high-visibility patrols throughout the city, including bus and rail stations,'' Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore said in a statement.