Two Teen Girls Shot Outside Coney Island McDonalds in Brooklyn

Two teenage girls were shot outside a McDonald’s in Coney Island, Brooklyn, following a dispute. Both are in stable condition as police search for the suspect.

Two teen girls were shot outside a McDonald’s in Coney Island, Brooklyn, on Tuesday afternoon, March 24, 2026, after a dispute between groups of teenagers escalated into gunfire around 4:30 p.m. at 1403 Mermaid Avenue near Stillwell Avenue, leaving a 16-year-old and a 14-year-old injured but in stable condition while the suspect fled and remains at large as of March 25.

Shooting Follows Dispute Inside Restaurant

The incident began inside the fast-food restaurant during the after-school hours. According to police and witness accounts, a dispute broke out between two groups of teenagers. The situation quickly escalated and moved outside the establishment.

Moments later, an unidentified male suspect reportedly opened fire. Gunshots rang out near the entrance, sending people in the area scrambling for safety. The sudden violence disrupted what is typically a busy afternoon period at the location.

Investigators believe the shooting was targeted and stemmed directly from the earlier confrontation. However, authorities are still working to determine the exact sequence of events and what triggered the escalation.

Two Teen Victims Hospitalized in Stable Condition

Emergency responders arrived quickly and located two injured teenage girls at the scene. The victims, ages 16 and 14, were both transported to NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn for treatment.

Officials confirmed that the 16-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to her upper right leg. The 14-year-old was shot in her left foot. Both injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.

Authorities later confirmed that both teens are in stable condition. This update provided some reassurance to the community following initial concerns about the severity of the incident.

The identities of the victims have not been publicly released due to their ages.

Suspect Remains at Large as Investigation Continues

Police are actively searching for the suspect involved in the shooting. According to descriptions provided by authorities, the individual is a male who was last seen wearing all black clothing.

Witnesses reported that the suspect fled the scene on foot, heading west on Surf Avenue shortly after the gunfire. Despite ongoing efforts, no arrests have been made as of the latest update on March 25.

Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and review surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Authorities are also urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in identifying and locating the suspect.

The search remains a priority as law enforcement works to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.

Evidence Recovered at the Scene

Crime scene investigators recovered multiple shell casings both inside and outside the restaurant. This indicates that gunfire may have occurred in more than one location during the incident.

Additionally, at least one bullet hole was found in a glass window of the McDonald’s. The damage highlights the risk posed to bystanders during the shooting.

Forensic teams are analyzing the physical evidence to determine details such as the type of firearm used and the number of shots fired. This information will be critical in reconstructing the incident.

Authorities are also examining any available video footage that may capture the suspect’s movements before and after the shooting.

Location Has History of After-School Incidents

The McDonald’s location at 1403 Mermaid Avenue has been identified by residents and local business owners as a frequent gathering spot for teenagers, particularly during after-school hours.

Due to ongoing concerns, the restaurant has implemented a policy requiring individuals under 18 to be accompanied by a parent between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. This measure aims to reduce disturbances during peak times.

Witnesses and community members have reported that fights and disputes among teens have occurred at the location in the past. These recurring issues have raised concerns about safety in the area.

The latest shooting has intensified those concerns, with residents calling for increased supervision and preventive measures to address ongoing tensions among youth in the neighborhood.

Local Perspective and Broader Safety Concerns

Incidents involving youth violence in densely populated areas like Coney Island often reflect broader challenges related to supervision, conflict resolution, and community resources. After-school hours can be a particularly sensitive period, as large groups of students gather in public spaces.

Data from similar urban areas shows that disputes among teenagers can escalate quickly without intervention. This highlights the importance of early conflict management and visible security presence in high-traffic locations.

Community leaders often advocate for increased youth programs and engagement initiatives to reduce the likelihood of violence. These efforts aim to provide safe environments and constructive alternatives for young people.

At the same time, businesses in affected areas may implement stricter policies to maintain order. While these measures can help, long-term solutions often require coordination between local authorities, schools, and community organizations.

As the investigation continues, officials are expected to review both the incident itself and the broader conditions that may have contributed to it. The goal is to reduce the risk of similar events in the future while ensuring accountability in this case.

Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.