EAST ELMHURST, N.Y. – The New York Police Department is conducting a city-wide manhunt for the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of a Forest Hills man, Carlos Solano, on a quiet residential street in East Elmhurst. The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon, sparking fear and anxiety in the community.
The incident unfolded around 4:30 p.m. when officers from the 115th Precinct in Jackson Heights were dispatched to Humphrey Street following a 911 call. Upon arrival, they found 43-year-old Carlos Solano lying on the grass with two gunshot wounds to his head. Emergency Medical Services quickly transported Solano to Elmhurst Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Solano, a resident of 62nd Drive, lived about three miles from the crime scene. Although the area is typically peaceful, Wednesday’s violence shattered the neighborhood’s calm. Witnesses reported hearing heated arguments followed by gunshots, though the exact motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
The NYPD has intensified efforts to locate the gunman, who was last seen fleeing near Helen Marshall Playground on 100th Street. As of Thursday noon, no arrests had been made. Detectives are actively reviewing surveillance footage from local businesses and residences in the area. They are also conducting interviews with potential witnesses to gather more clues. Despite these efforts, a description of the suspect has yet to be released.
The NYPD is urging anyone with information to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. With little information to go on, public involvement is critical. The suspect remains at large, and authorities are canvassing nearby areas in hopes of tracking down the individual responsible for Solano’s death.
The shooting has left East Elmhurst residents reeling. Known for its quiet streets and family-friendly atmosphere, the neighborhood is not typically associated with violent crime. Solano’s death has shaken locals, prompting discussions about safety and security. Several residents have expressed their unease about the increasing reports of gun violence across New York City. In 2023, Queens saw a slight uptick in shooting incidents, with some attributing the rise to issues such as gang activity and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
Speaking with a local resident, Maria Gutierrez, who has lived in East Elmhurst for 15 years, she said, “This kind of thing doesn’t happen around here. We hear about violence in other places, but when it happens on your street, it’s different. It’s terrifying.”
Many residents are now calling for increased police presence, especially in public spaces like parks and playgrounds. Parents in the community have also raised concerns, fearing for their children’s safety. The area, once considered safe for evening strolls, is now under a cloud of apprehension. The sound of gunshots, a rare occurrence, has left lasting scars on the community’s sense of security.
The tragic death of Carlos Solano adds to a growing list of victims of gun violence in New York City. According to the NYPD’s 2023 year-end report, while overall crime rates have seen fluctuations, gun-related incidents continue to be a major concern. Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Edward Caban have pledged to tackle the rise in gun violence by focusing on the removal of illegal firearms and strengthening community policing initiatives.
While efforts are being made to curb gun violence, incidents like the one in East Elmhurst serve as grim reminders of the work that still needs to be done. As crime rates fluctuate across various boroughs, the sense of unpredictability lingers, even in neighborhoods considered safe.
In response to Solano’s death, the NYPD has ramped up patrols in East Elmhurst, assuring the public that they are doing everything possible to apprehend the suspect. Detectives remain on-site, meticulously combing through all available evidence. As the investigation continues, police have asked the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The Crime Stoppers hotline has proven instrumental in past cases, and authorities hope the same will apply here.
The community is hopeful that a swift arrest will bring a sense of closure to Solano’s family and restore peace to the neighborhood. Still, many residents acknowledge the unsettling truth that violence can strike anywhere at any time, leaving even the safest communities vulnerable.
Carlos Solano’s death is not just a tragedy for his family but also for the larger community that now feels the deep impacts of gun violence. The NYPD remains committed to finding the person responsible, and residents are encouraged to assist in any way possible.
For now, East Elmhurst stands in quiet anticipation, waiting for justice.