A retired police officer who allegedly fired a gun inside a sushi restaurant in Howard Beach this week during a verbal dispute with another patron has been charged with assault.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office, the stray shot hit an innocent bystander.
“This kind of gun violence is unacceptable, particularly when the shooter is alleged to be a retired member of service,” Katz said.
The defendant, identified as 52-year-old Dwayne Chandler of Staten Island, was arraigned on Wednesday morning in Queens Criminal Court.
If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
The victim who was shot was taken to an area hospital, and currently has no sensation in his legs, Katz’s office said. He is also unable to move his toes, which was a result of the bullet that pierced his back.
