Teenagers Charged Following East Harlem Shooting Incident
Two teenagers have been charged with attempted murder after a recent shooting incident involving NYPD officers. Among those charged is an 18-year-old who was reportedly wearing an ankle monitor, according to police sources.
Damien Calhoun, 18, has been challenging a plea deal related to another attempted murder case since last year. He, along with a 15-year-old boy, was involved in the shooting at around 5:30 PM on Monday at a public housing complex in East Harlem.
In addition to attempted murder, both teenagers face charges for criminal possession of a weapon, as reported by law enforcement officials.
During the incident, one officer discharged their firearm at the suspect after responding to an unrelated 911 call. In the chaos, one teenager was seen brandishing a firearm on 123rd Street, prompting the police response.
Two 15-year-old boys sustained gunshot injuries: one to the left leg and the other to the left knee. Both were transported to Harlem Hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities are investigating whether the 15-year-old was injured by police gunfire or from the ongoing shootout.
Calhoun was found with a loaded firearm containing a large magazine. Although he was not shot during the incident, the 15-year-old was detained on the scene.
Calhoun had previously been released on a $75,000 bond put up by his family. Although he remained under an ankle monitor, which he needed to adhere to court-mandated programs, he had pleaded guilty to attempted murder in July last year. Sources indicate he must fulfill program requirements to stay out of custody.
Patrol Chief Philip Rivera mentioned that the state’s controversial “age up” laws allowed for his prior release, complicating the situation further. This new arrest may endanger Calhoun’s plea deal, with potential prison sentences ranging from five to 25 years if convicted.
The younger teenager, whose name is not released due to their age, also has a history of violence. He was previously charged with attempted murder on August 12 in a different incident in Harlem.
Interestingly, sources revealed that a judge had set bail at $150,000 cash or $450,000 in bonds for the 15-year-old. However, he was released when the prosecutor failed to file timely charges, as mandated by New York State law.
Surveillance footage from the incident showed two groups of youths engaging in discussions before the violence erupted. Rivera commented on the broader implications, highlighting the persistent issue of youth violence and the shortcomings of laws that allow minors to evade serious accountability.
