Gun goes off during brooklyn pistol whipping

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A confrontation on a Brooklyn sidewalk escalated into violence Thursday afternoon when a man struck another with a firearm, causing the weapon to discharge before fleeing the scene, police said.

The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. in front of 5423 Church Avenue, where an unidentified man approached a 56-year-old male and began arguing with him, according to law enforcement.

During the dispute, the suspect pulled out a firearm and struck the victim on the left side of the head. The blow caused the weapon to discharge, though it was not immediately clear if the bullet hit anything or anyone.

Police said the suspect fled on foot, heading southbound on East 55th Street before turning west onto Church Avenue. The victim sustained minor injuries from the strike but declined medical treatment at the scene.

Authorities are seeking a male with a dark complexion who was last seen wearing a black jacket, gray jeans, and red sneakers.

Police searching for armed suspect

The motive for the dispute remains unclear, and no arrests have been made. Police have not released surveillance footage or further identifying details as the investigation continues.

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Key Points

A man was struck with a firearm during a dispute at 5423 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, on Thursday.
The firearm discharged during the altercation; the victim sustained minor injuries.
The suspect fled on foot and remains at large.

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