Man Shot In Neck During Harlem Argument, Police Say

HARLEM, NY — A man buying food in Harlem's was hospitalized after being shot in the neck during an argument, police said.

A 33-year-old man was shopping at a business son West 125th Street and Amsterdam Avenue early Monday morning when he got into a verbal dispute with an unknown man, police said. During the argument, the unknown man pulled a gun and opened fire, hitting the shopper in the neck, police said.

The shooter avoided arrest by hopping into a car on West 125th Street and being driven from the scene, police said. Medics took the victim to St. Luke's hospital in stable condition.

Mayor Bill de Blasio launched an initiative this month to stem the rise of gun violence in Harlem. The city plans to increase police presence in the neighborhood and engage community and faith groups as violence interrupters.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS (8477).