NYPD officers shot and wounded a man who allegedly fired at them near a Bronx daycare on Monday afternoon. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Victor Soto, has a record of eight prior arrests, including for assault and criminal possession of a firearm, according to police.
The incident began around 3:20 p.m. when Soto entered Sammy Gourmet Deli on Bainbridge Avenue and East 194th Street, brandishing a firearm and threatening customers, Assistant Chief Aneudy Castillo of Patrol Borough Bronx North stated at a press conference.
Soto then left the deli and allegedly pointed his weapon at approaching officers. A gun battle ensued as Soto continued walking northbound, firing at the officers, Castillo reported. Police returned fire, striking Soto, who was taken to a hospital in stable condition.
One parent, who was picking up her child from a daycare adjacent to the deli, told the New York Post that she witnessed the exchange of gunfire between the suspect and the officers. Soto's criminal history includes previous arrests for assaults and firearms possession.