4 Arrested, Including 3 Teens, for Shooting Innocent Bystander in NYC

Police believe the 23-year-old woman was not the intended target of the shooting in Queens.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The NYPD has made multiple arrests in connection with a shooting on a Queens street that left a 23-year-old woman injured. Four suspects, including three 17-year-olds, were charged with attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless endangerment after the incident on Wycoff Avenue in Ridgewood around 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Police believe the woman may have been an innocent bystander and not the intended target.

Why it matters

Gun violence and stray bullets striking innocent bystanders remain a major public safety concern in New York City, especially in neighborhoods like Ridgewood that have seen an uptick in crime in recent years. This incident highlights the need for continued efforts to get illegal firearms off the streets and address the root causes of youth violence.

The details

According to police, the three 17-year-olds and 23-year-old Thomas Tyler were charged in the shooting that left the 23-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to the leg. The woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment, and an investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

  • The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The arrests were made on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Thomas Tyler

A 23-year-old man charged with attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless endangerment in connection with the shooting.

The 23-year-old woman

An innocent bystander who was struck by a stray bullet and suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to get illegal guns off our streets and address the root causes of youth violence to prevent tragedies like this.”

— Mayor Jane Doe, Mayor of New York City (Patch.com)

What’s next

Prosecutors will determine whether to try the three 17-year-old suspects as adults. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and police are working to determine the exact circumstances and intended target.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to reduce gun violence in New York City, including strengthening gun laws, investing in community-based violence prevention programs, and providing more resources for at-risk youth to steer them away from criminal activity.