Cops are close to apprehending a suspect in the murder of a Flatbush man.
Police said that Richard Neil was standing near the corner of Newkirk Avenue and East 28th Street just before 11 p.m. on September 26 when he got into an argument with an unidentified assailant.
As the argument heated up, the suspect pulled a gun and opened fire, hitting Neil once in the chest.
Neil tried to run away, but ended up stumbling down the street before collapsing on Rogers Avenue.
Paramedics rushed him to Kings County Hospital where he died of his injuries.
Witnesses said that the shooting may have taken place during a robbery.
Police sources said that investigators have identified the shooter, who was still at large as this paper went to press.
Friday’s slaying was the sixth homicide to take place in the 70th Precinct since the beginning of the year. The 70th Precinct protects residents in Flatbush and parts of Midwood.
Last year at this time, six homicides had also taken place, officials said.
Overall crime in the command is down by just over five percent for the beginning of the year, statistics show.
Cops are asking anyone with information regarding Neil’s murder to come forward.
Tipsters, they said, could receive up to $2,000 if their information leads them to the shooter’s arrest and indictment.
Calls can be made to the NYPD CrimeStoppers hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
