March 13, 2026 QUEENS, NY In my 30 years of walking these city streets, I’ve seen some brazen acts, but what happened on 57th Avenue in Corona last month is a chilling reminder of how quickly a quiet afternoon can turn into a crime scene.
At 3:45 p.m. on February 21—a time when neighbors are usually heading home or running errands—the peace was shattered. A 30-year-old man was standing in front of 96-21 57th Ave. when two masked figures emerged from the shadows. Without a word, one pulled a trigger, hitting the victim in both legs before the duo vanished into the New York traffic.
The Victim's Desperate Dash
While the victim is reportedly in stable condition at Brookdale University Hospital, the trauma of a double-leg wound is something no one walks away from easily. He didn't wait for an ambulance; he was rushed to the medical center by private means, a testament to the urgency of the moment.
The "Signature" Getaway Van: Do You Recognize It?
The shooters didn't just run; they had a plan. They fled the scene in a white Ford Econoline van, last spotted speeding south on the Cross Island Parkway.
This isn't your average white work van. Police have highlighted several "signature" features that make this vehicle stand out to anyone who might have seen it parked on their block:
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A heavy-duty ladder rack mounted on the roof.
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A black tarp oddly covering the front right panel (likely hiding damage or a specific marking).
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Industrial latch locks visible on the rear doors.
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No identifiable license plate, suggesting a professional attempt to evade the city's network of cameras.
The Hunt is On
The NYPD has released surveillance footage of the masked suspects and the distinct van. In a city of eight million, these details—the tarp, the locks, the timing—are the breadcrumbs that lead to an arrest.
