Police guard occupants of the SUV, believed to be the in-laws of the injured man. It is thought the man pictured here was driving and his wife in the passenger seat. Robert Stridiron/The Forum Newsgroup
A 26-year-old member of the Sikh community was the only passenger of four shot in the face while riding in the back seat of a late model Mercedes SUV on Sunday evening around 6.
The victim, identified by hospital sources as Rinder Singh, was transported to the Level One Trauma Center at Jamaica Hospital in critical condition.
At least one bullet struck Singh in the face shattering his jaw and causing a large hole in the cheek.
According to doctors, medics at the scene were unable to identify an exit wound. He was semi-conscious when he arrived at the hospital, was intubated upon arrival and in grave condition.
Sikhs gather in the streets surrounding the incident as they try to piece together the events that brought violence to the streets following a religious celebration.
The shooting took place when a car pulled up next to the vehicle carrying Singh, as it headed toward 101st Avenue on 116th Street. The gunman opened fire and shot what several witnesses described as a rapid succession of four to five shots.
Authorities say it was Singh’s father-in-law, who was driving, with his wife next to him in the front and his daughter, in the back seat on the passenger side.
The man jumped from the car after pulling over in the middle of 101st Avenue. “He was waving his arms and yelling pretty good,” said Rudy Torres who was driving home, when, he too heard the pop of gunshots.
The late model Mercedes SUV carrying Rindar Singh as he was shot. Inset photo (bottom right)shows bullet holes and bloodstains on the back of the seat where Singh and his wife of two months were sitting.
“He didn’t have any shoes on,” said Torres, “and then two guys on the street with the turbans, I heard them tell the cop the guy was screaming for help in their language.”
Sources suggest that in-fighting between elders in the Sikh community, and those members who “want change” could be at the root of the shooting.
Meanwhile an intense police investigation continues as authorities try to determine if the hit style shooting stemmed from an internal conflict within the Sikh community.
Sources said on Tuesday evening that Singh is expected to survive despite the severity of his injuries.
By Patricia Adams
