August 14, 2025 DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN, New York – In a shocking and unprovoked act of violence, a 64-year-old man is facing charges after he allegedly shot a stranger with a crossbow outside the victim's apartment building early Wednesday morning.

According to police, Joseph English, described by authorities as "emotionally disturbed," approached a 56-year-old man who was sitting on the staircase of his Hanson Place apartment, smoking a cigarette, around 4:40 a.m.

Witnesses say English chillingly told the victim, "I'm going to shoot you," before leaving and returning with a crossbow. He then shot the man in the hip.

The victim was treated for minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. Police arrived on the scene and recovered the weapon. The two men reportedly did not know each other, and a motive for the bizarre attack remains a mystery.

English has been charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing. This unusual incident has left many in the community wondering what could have driven the suspect to such a random and violent act.

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