A women’s accessories designer has fatally shot a former co-worker outside the Empire State Building.
According to authorities and witnesses, the 58-year-old suspect, Jeffrey Johnson wordlessly walked up to Hazan import Corp. vice president Steven Ercolino, put a gun to his head and fired three times. Police on their regular anti-terrorism duties rushed to the scene and killed the suspect. The shooting set off chaos at the height of the summer travel season and just after the morning rush hour.
Authorities say at least 9 others were wounded, some by stray police gunfire and they all were expected to survive. Officials say Johnson was disgruntled after being fired a year ago from Hazan imports, located near the Empire State Building. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says Johnson and Ercolino had traded accusations of harassment when Johnson worked at Hazan import.
