The May 15 shooting outside of a Flatbush Avenue taco restaurant that left an 18-year-old dead could have been gang related, police say.
“The victim could have been part of a crew or a gang, and that concerns us,” Captain John Rowell, the commanding officer of the 63rd Precinct, told members of Community Board 18 this week. “We’re going to pay special attention to that area for awhile.”
Police said Tyreck Wheeler was hit twice in the chest and once in the head at 6 pm near Brooklyn Avenue.
Witnesses told police that Wheeler, who lived a few blocks away, was shot shortly after he strolled into the Top Taco restaurant near the corner. He died at the scene.
No suspects have been identified in the shooting, and investigators haven’t been able to provide a motive.
Rowell called the killing an “isolated event.”
“It could have been a rivalry,” he said. “The detective squad is out there looking for witnesses and video, so if anybody knows anything, please come in.”
Anyone with information regarding this slaying is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at (800) 577–8477. All calls will be kept confidential.
Reach reporter Colin MIxson at cmixson@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4514.
