NYPD Divers Scour Central Park Lake in Search for Weapon Used in UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting
New York City Police Department divers were spotted searching the lake in Central Park on Saturday afternoon, as part of the ongoing investigation into the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan earlier this week. Sources indicate that the authorities were specifically looking for the weapon used in the crime.
The search mission was prompted by the discovery of a backpack in Central Park the day before, which law enforcement officials believe may have belonged to the suspected gunman. While the backpack contained a jacket, crucially, the gun police suspect was used in the shooting was not found. Currently, the backpack is undergoing analysis at an NYPD forensic lab to extract possible hair and DNA samples for further investigation.
## Police Dive into Central Park Lake
Divers and investigators, including divers, were observed combing the lake around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Witness accounts and Citizen app video footage reveal that the southern end of the lake in Central Park was cordoned off with police tape, with a visible presence of law enforcement officials and divers on the scene. Despite their efforts, sources indicate that the search has not yielded the desired results thus far.
Witness Charlotte D. described the scene, noting the police presence and the divers in action, emphasizing the focused search efforts in a restricted area of the lake. The intense scrutiny of the lake reflects the NYPD’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in their quest for justice.
## Mayor Adams Provides Insight
Mayor Eric Adams provided updates on the investigation progress, disclosing that law enforcement officials are narrowing down on a person of interest linked to the case. This individual, who was captured on surveillance cameras without a mask, had been residing at an Upper West Side hostel. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding the person of interest’s identity to prevent tipping them off and enabling their evasion.
Surveillance images depict the person of interest entering the Port Authority bus terminal in Washington Heights following the shooting, suggesting that they have since left the city. The mayor’s remarks underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgency to bring the perpetrator to justice.
As the investigation unfolds, the NYPD remains steadfast in their pursuit of the truth and the apprehension of those responsible for the tragic event. The community waits with bated breath for further developments in this high-profile case.
I vividly remember visiting Central Park with my family, marveling at its serene beauty and bustling energy. The news of such a heinous crime taking place in this iconic location sends shockwaves through the city, underscoring the need for swift justice and closure for all those affected. Let us hope that the diligent efforts of the authorities yield fruitful results, bringing solace to the community and honoring the memory of the victim.
