Fatal Shooting at Popular Queens Burger Bar Claims Life of 29-Year-Old Man
QUEENS, N.Y. — A sense of shock has gripped the Kew Gardens community after a late-night outing turned into a scene of violence early Tuesday morning. A 29-year-old man was fatally shot inside a local burger bar, leaving police searching for answers and a neighborhood mourning a life cut short.
Tragedy at Hangar 11
According to the New York City Police Department and local sources, the incident occurred at approximately 1:35 a.m. inside Hangar 11 Burgers & Brews, located at 119-11 Metropolitan Ave., near the intersection of Lefferts Boulevard. What began as a standard night at the popular neighborhood establishment ended in gunfire, sending patrons and staff into a state of panic.
The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Demitri McKay. Authorities report that McKay suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm. While the injury may have initially appeared survivable, the trauma proved fatal. Emergency responders rushed McKay to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead.
Investigation Underway
As of Tuesday afternoon, the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under heavy investigation. It is not yet clear if McKay was the intended target of the gunfire or if the shooting stemmed from a dispute inside the bar. Detectives were seen canvassing the area for surveillance footage and interviewing potential witnesses who were present during the early morning hours.
Hangar 11, known in the area for its craft beers and casual dining atmosphere, remained cordoned off with yellow police tape for much of the morning as forensic teams processed the scene for evidence. No arrests have been made, and police have not yet released a description of a suspect.
A Community in Shock
Kew Gardens is typically known for its quiet residential streets and local commerce. The sudden burst of violence at a well-known establishment on Metropolitan Avenue has left residents and regular patrons on edge. “You don’t expect something like this to happen here, especially at a place where people just go to grab a burger and watch a game,” said one local resident who lives blocks away from the scene.
Ongoing Search for Information
The NYPD is urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward. The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the moments leading up to the fatal shot.
Members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have video footage from the vicinity of Metropolitan Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). All calls are kept strictly confidential.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the NYPD and official sources.