Shots fired on Gillespie Avenue

By Jennifer Maddox Parks (1511)
jennifer.parks@albanyherald.com

As of Monday, March 18, 2013
© Copyright 2013 Albany Herald

Officials from the Albany Police Department contain the scene at 1206 Gillespie Avenue on Monday afternoon after reports of shots being fired in the area. No injuries were reported after several shots were fired toward a family at the residence, police said.

ALBANY -- A family was nearly injured when a group of men driving past their home in a green Toyota vehicle reportedly fired shots toward them.

Several patrol vehicles from the Albany Police Department responded just before 4 p.m. on Monday to 1206 Gillespie Ave. At 4:30 p.m., authorities were still taping off the scene and had brought in Bubi -- the department's working canine.

Phyllis Banks, spokeswoman for the APD, said the people at the house included a mother and daughter -- 12-year-old Tykeria Nix and 31-year-old Shenkia Nix as well as 50-year-old Willie Harris, Tykeria's grandfather.

Harris was in a truck outside of the home with his granddaughter near the truck when persons inside what was described as a small, green Toyota vehicle began firing shots toward the house.

The elder Nix was in the home at the time. Initial investigations into the incident showed that there were several shots fired, at least one of which hit the front door of the residence, Banks said.

Banks said that it is not believed that the family was the intended target, and that there had been a group of young adults nearby.

The vehicle drove in an eastwardly direction from the home. There were reportedly three males in the car, two of whom who are believed to have fired shots, Banks said.

While it is not thought to be connected to the fatal shooting on Willard Avenue from the night before, the APD is investigating it as a possible gang shooting.

There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident, Banks said.

Sign in to comment

Or login with:

OpenID

Albany Herald