Three shot at Van Cortlandt Park

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The unofficial start of summer turned violent at Van Cortlandt Park on Saturday night, when three men were shot and wounded, according to police.

They said an argument broke out between two groups among hundreds of people barbecuing around 10:25 p.m. near Van Cortlandt Park Swimming Pool, steps away from the subway stop at Broaday and West 242nd Street.

The cause of the argument was not immediately known. Police said a 23-year-old was shot three times in the stomach, a 20-year-old suffered one gunshot wound to the stomach and a 19-year-old was shot in his right leg. All three victims were taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.

Police said they were still looking for the suspects and were yet to identify them as of the weekend. News sources said one of the groups involved in the altercation was a fraternity, though it was not clear what institution the group was affiliated with.

The incident follows a recent series of crimes at Van Cortlandt Park. Two men were robbed by perpetrators with a knife and a gun while walking on the Putnam Trail on May 21, and another man was slashed in the park in April.

Police asked anyone with information about Saturday’s shootings to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-8477.  

Van Cortlandt Park, shooting, Anthony Capote