A man from the Bronx, accused of shooting Jets cornerback Chris Boyd in the stomach outside a Manhattan restaurant last month, reportedly tried to evade capture. Prosecutors said he fled to Buffalo, discarded his cellphone, and even changed his hairstyle.
Frederick Green, 20, faced charges in Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday night, including attempted murder, assault, and weapon possession. This stems from the shooting incident that left the 29-year-old NFL player critically injured on November 16 outside Say Less, an Asian fusion restaurant on West 38th Street.
According to Assistant District Attorney Sarah Sanadi, surveillance footage showed Green without a mask throughout the entire incident.
Police reported that Boyd was out with his teammates and a friend when a group began mocking them about their clothing choices. This exchange happened outside a restaurant near Seventh Avenue.
After spending only about ten minutes in the eatery, the group returned outside around 2 a.m., where they were met with further ridicule from the same individuals.
Eventually, Green allegedly opened fire, hitting Boyd and causing severe damage that led bullet fragments to enter a vein and travel to the lungs. Following the shooting, Green reportedly fled in a white BMW.
Sanadi claimed that Green went to Buffalo and sought refuge in an apartment belonging to a female acquaintance. Evidence presented indicated that he cut a large portion of his hair to disguise himself, changed his phone, and deactivated social media accounts to avoid getting caught by the police.
He was apprehended on Monday in his Buffalo apartment after law enforcement tracked a gray Mercedes linked to his girlfriend. When officers attempted to arrest him, he allegedly tried to escape through a window.
Prosecutors informed Judge Casey Lally that Green had no plans to return to Manhattan to face authorities.
Initially, Boyd was reported to be in a critical but stable condition. He later updated his followers on Instagram, mentioning that he was able to breathe independently. However, a few days later, he returned to the hospital “due to health issues,” mentioning ongoing complications from his injury and the possibility of needing additional surgery.
The defensive back, standing at 5-foot-11, recently joined the Jets after entering the league with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, and has also played with the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans.
Green is currently being held without bail following his arraignment. He has a record of four previous arrests, with most details sealed. Those charges include illegal possession of ID and a controlled substance. He also has prior juvenile arrests for robbery and reckless endangerment.
During his court appearance, Green maintained silence, dressed in black sweatpants, a North Face jacket, and a white surgical mask. His family was present but appeared calm throughout the hearing. Despite requests from Green’s attorney for home detention and bail, Judge Lally ruled that he would remain held without bail. He’s set to return to court on Thursday.
