Two Teens Wounded in East Harlem Shootout Involving NYPD Officers

September 16, 2025 MANHATTAN, New York – Two teens were wounded on September 15th early Monday evening during an East Harlem shootout involving NYPD officers where officials say at least one cop discharged his service weapon in attempt to stop a shootout on a crowded NYC street. 

A 15-year-old suspected teen shooter was wounded in the leg during the incident as NYPD officers moved in with weapons drawn to break-up a gunfight between the young teen and a 18-year-old shooter on 2nd Avenue outside the Taino Towers in East Harlem, cops said. 

During a press conference at the location of the shooting NYPD officials said at approximately 5:30 pm, after completing an unrelated 911 call, two uniformed officers assigned to the 25 precinct were exiting a nearby building on 2nd Avenue when they heard numerous shots fired in close proximity of East 123 Street and Second Avenue.

Officials said officers observed two males engaged in a gunfight just after school had let out around the city. At least one officer used his service weapon to fire upon the pair of suspected shooters as the two officers were led on a brief foot pursuit.

Both teen males were taken into police custody on East 123 Street including the 15 year old, shot in his left leg and transported to Harlem Hospital in stable condition, cops said.

Upon apprehension, a firearm with a high capacity magazine was located in the 18-year-olds back pack and officials said the weapon was loaded with the capacity of 31 rounds.

Police are investigating to determine if the injured 15-year-old was struck by a police bullet or from the other teen gunman.

The two officers involved were not seriously injured and removed to an area hospital for further evaluation.

NYPD identified the 18-year-old male shooter as Damien Calhoun who on July 23 of this year pled guilty to attempted murder for an incident that occurred on November 2024 when he was 17 years old.

Due to age laws the teen was released from custody in July and was back out on the streets. 

Police say his next court date for the attempted murder charge was scheduled for November 2025 and the 15-year-old shooter has an open pending case in Manhattan for a violent felony.

This shooting incident is being investigated by NYPD force Investigations Division.