Person in full-body black costume and mask shot man at Utica smoke shop, police say

Utica, N.Y. — Utica police are searching for a suspect who dressed as the Grim Reaper and shot a man at a smoke shop Friday, police said.
The shooting was reported at 12:30 a.m. at a store the Purple Haze Smoke Shop at 822 South St., Lt. Michael Curley, a spokesperson for the police department, said on Tuesday.
The suspect — wearing a black costume, a black mask and black shoes — entered the store and shot a man in the stomach, Curley said. The suspect fled the scene, he said.
The man was taken to Wynn Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and is in critical but stable condition, he said.
The Utica Police Department asks anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact them at 315 223 3556, submitting an anonymous tip online through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers, calling 1-866-730-8477 (TIPS), or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.
Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at [email protected]