A peaceful Sunday night turned terrifying for a Bronx family when a stray bullet grazed a woman’s forehead as she slept in her own bed. The incident occurred at an apartment building on Purdy Avenue in Parkchester, leaving the victim and her family shaken but thankful she survived.
What Happened?
According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the gunshot was fired accidentally from the apartment directly above the victim’s. The bullet pierced through the bedroom ceiling and grazed her forehead while she was asleep.
“I was in bed alone and felt the impact, but didn’t know what it was. The pain was unbearable,” the victim said in Spanish during an interview with CBS News New York.
Despite the terrifying experience, she expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal:
“God still wants me here, and my kids and my mom are with me, so I’m blessed.”
A Frightening Scene for the Family
The woman’s daughter, Nathalie, was the first to realize something had gone terribly wrong.
“She had her hand on her head, and when she let go, there was a bunch of blood going down her gown and all over her face. It was so scary,” Nathalie recalled.
“It was just unexpected because we have never had anything happen like that, ever.”
The family, already coping with the loss of the children’s father years ago, was deeply relieved that the injury wasn’t life-threatening.
Why Was a Gun Involved?
One of the most disturbing aspects of this incident is that the shooting appears to have been accidental, with no evidence suggesting the victim was targeted. Nathalie raised a valid concern about gun safety:
“Honestly, why do you even have a gun? Why are you playing with a gun in your house, especially at night?”
The presence of a firearm in a residential setting, particularly in the hands of individuals who appear to have handled it irresponsibly, raises serious questions about gun ownership and safety regulations.
Police Response and Arrests
Following the incident, the NYPD arrested five people, including two minors. The individuals face charges of criminal possession of a weapon and assault. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to determine how the gun was obtained and whether further charges will be filed.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
The shooting has left neighbors in Parkchester on edge, with many expressing concern about the growing number of accidental shootings in residential buildings.
Gun safety advocates continue to push for stricter enforcement of existing gun laws and increased education on the dangers of mishandling firearms—especially in multi-family housing environments where accidents can easily harm innocent people.
