A 24-year-old man was shot and killed Wednesday morning just steps from the Coney Island Boardwalk, according to the NYPD, in an attack that unfolded only days before one of Brooklyn’s biggest summer events.
Police say officers responded to the intersection of West 28th Street and Surf Avenue shortly before 9:30 a.m. after receiving a call about a person shot. When officers arrived, they found the victim, identified as Truron Roachmartin of Brooklyn, suffering from gunshot wounds to the face and chest.
What Happened at the Scene
Investigators say the shooter fled the scene on foot, last seen heading toward Mermaid Avenue. As of the latest update, no arrests have been made, and the case remains under active investigation.
Here’s what’s known so far:
- The shooting occurred near West 28th Street and Surf Avenue, close to the boardwalk
- The victim was struck in the face and chest
- The suspect ran toward Mermaid Avenue and has not been identified
- No arrests have been reported
The NYPD is asking anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted in several ways:
- Calling Crime Stoppers at 1 800 577 TIPS (8477)
- Visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org
- Downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app
- Texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577
- Spanish-speaking callers can dial 1 888 57 PISTA (74782)
Timing Raises Concerns Ahead of Holiday Crowds
The shooting is drawing attention in part because of when it happened. Coney Island is set to host massive crowds in just a few days for the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, one of the neighborhood’s signature annual events.
That contest typically draws tens of thousands of spectators to the same stretch of boardwalk and surrounding streets where the shooting took place.
Local reaction on social media has been mixed. Some residents expressed shock, while others said they routinely notice heavy police activity in the area during early morning hours.
Several commenters raised concerns about safety around the boardwalk and questioned whether it would still be safe to visit during the day, especially with the holiday crowds approaching.
This is not the only violent incident to make headlines in Brooklyn recently. Local outlets have also reported on a separate case involving a search for a person believed to have attacked a child in Queens, as well as other ongoing public safety concerns across the borough this summer.
For now, police have not released a motive or indicated whether the victim and shooter knew each other. The investigation is continuing, and authorities have not said whether they believe this was a random act or a targeted incident.
Residents preparing for the Fourth of July weekend in Coney Island can expect an increased police presence in the coming days, both because of the holiday itself and the upcoming eating contest, which regularly brings heightened security to the boardwalk area.
Anyone with video, photos, or information related to the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stoppers using the numbers and resources listed above. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
