Man Shot in Face at Queens Motel, Howard Beach Area Police Search for Gunman By Newstrix | March 13, 2026 | Public Safety & Crime NEW YORK — A man was shot in the face Saturday morning inside a Queens motel, prompting a swift police response and an intensive search for the gunman in areas connecting to Howard Beach. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, is currently in stable condition, according to NYPD officials. Early Morning Shooting at Queens Boulevard Motel The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 AM at a motel located on Queens Boulevard, a major thoroughfare not far from the Howard Beach area. Officers from the 102nd Precinct, with assistance from the 106th Precinct covering Howard Beach, responded to 911 calls reporting a shooting, the New York Post reported. Detectives cordoned off the area around the motel as part of their investigation, restricting access for several hours. Victim in Stable Condition After Hospitalization Upon arrival, emergency medical services personnel found the victim, a man in his 30s, suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. He was immediately transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he underwent emergency treatment. NYPD sources confirmed Saturday afternoon that the victim’s condition has stabilized, and his injuries are not considered lifethreatening, providing some relief in a tense situation. Active Investigation and Search for Suspect Law enforcement has launched a fullscale investigation into the shooting, with investigators reviewing surveillance footage from the motel and surrounding businesses. Police are actively searching for at least one suspect, described only as a male who fled the scene on foot immediately after the incident, an NYPD spokesperson confirmed. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and authorities are pursuing all available leads in the Howard Beach vicinity and beyond. Impact on Local Howard Beach Community and Public Safety While the shooting did not occur directly in Howard Beach, the proximity of the incident and the involvement of local precincts have raised public safety concerns among residents. The Queens Boulevard corridor is a significant artery for many Howard Beach commuters, and criminal activity there often resonates throughout the wider community. Community leaders are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, reinforcing the importance of neighborhood watch efforts. Broader Crime Trends in Queens and Howard Beach This incident adds to ongoing discussions about crime rates in Queens, though specific violent crime categories have seen varied trends in recent months. The NYPD has consistently adjusted tactical deployments based on crime patterns, as evidenced by a recent shift in . The department remains committed to addressing public safety challenges across all neighborhoods, including those bordering Howard Beach. Frequently Asked Questions What should residents do if they have information about the shooting? Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1800577TIPS (8477). Tips can be submitted anonymously, and all information is treated confidentially. Even seemingly minor details could be crucial to the investigation, helping law enforcement apprehend the suspect responsible for this act of violence and ensure the safety of the wider Queens community. How can Howard Beach residents enhance personal safety when traveling late at night? When traveling late at night, especially near transit hubs or commercial areas like Queens Boulevard, residents should remain aware of their surroundings. Avoiding walking alone, especially in dimly lit or isolated areas, is always recommended. Utilizing ridesharing services or welllit main routes can reduce risk. Carrying a fully charged cell phone and informing someone of your travel plans are also important personal safety measures to adopt for added security.