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Chinese Food Delivery Man Shot in Head; Police Search for Suspects
By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 29, 2008
Modified Sep 29, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 29, 2008
Modified Sep 29, 2008
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A Chinese food delivery man who was shot in the head while delivering an order in the Bronx is expected to survive, but lawmakers are demanding justice. City Councilman Larry Seabrook said, "Someone knows [the shooting suspects], and they need to give them up," while City Councilman John Liu said, "Not again. Not another vicious attack against a hard-working individual supporting his family while on the job serving the community."
The Daily News reported that Fangwang Chen, 31, was bringing a $22 order to a home on E.229th Street in Williamsbridge, "when he was cornered about 7:20 p.m." A source said, "Apparently they fought him for the food. Somebody placed a food order to the address, but nobody there said they ordered it. We believe it was two persons who waylayed him." The suspects tried grab the food and shot Chen in the head. Chen managed to call the restaurant owner at New China Garden, "He said, 'I can't breathe. I'm uncomfortable. I need the police.'"
Chen's wife, who is at Jacobi Medical Center as her husband remains in critical condition, said, "He works hard for us. I can't believe something like this could happen, and to happen on his last day of work before moving on"--Saturday was supposed to be his last night at New China Garden before working at a new restaurant. Chen has been a NYC resident for 10 years, and he and his wife have two children.
The Chinese Restaurant Association said, "The senseless violence targeting Chinese food delivery people has got to stop now," and is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the attackers (the police are also offering $2,000). Fujian American Association said, "The attackers didn't even take Mr. Chen's money, which makes this an even more outrageous and senseless act." In 2005, a Chinese food delivery man bringing a $9 order to a Bronx apartment building was shot in the eye; the 52-year-old died from his injuries.
Tagged
bronx
chinese food delivery
chinese restaurant
food delivery
gun violence
shooting
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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