High school dismissal time has long been a concern for the residents and business people of Mayfair, but escalated dramatically when a fight between two teenagers led to a shooting on a busy street corner on Feb. 9.
Now, Carmello Ocasio, 15, of the 7100 block of Erdrick St., is facing attempted murder charges. The gunfire erupted at about 3:17 p.m. on the 7300 block of Frankford Ave., police said.
Ocasio and a 17-year-old boy became involved in a verbal dispute. That’s when Ocasio allegedly pulled a handgun from his coat pocket and pointed it at the other boy’s head. During an ensuing physical struggle, Ocasio allegedly fired the gun into the air. The combatants fell to the ground before the older boy tried to escape. As he fled, Ocasio allegedly shot him in the shoulder, then ran eastbound on Tudor Street.
The victim suffered a graze wound. Police did not say if he was hospitalized.
Another bullet struck the window of Giggles Gifts at Frankford and Bleigh avenues. Police found the slug that had lodged in the window, along with four spent shells and one live round at the scene.
Police did not disclose what led them to suspect Ocasio of the shooting. He was also charged with aggravated assault, weapons violations and related offenses. Police did not say what school Ocasio attends. The Frankford Avenue corridor is known as a gathering spot for pupils after dismissals of nearby schools such as Lincoln High and Austin Meehan Middle.
In response to the shooting, City Councilman Bobby Henon announced that he will host a town hall meeting in conjunction with the 15th Police District this Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Mayfair Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent St. Mayfair residents are invited to attend. In the meantime, the 15th district has increased patrols along the Frankford Avenue corridor, Henon said. ••
