NYPD Crimestoppers
A former Buffalo State football player is fighting for his life after being shot during an altercation at a liquor store Monday … and cops have released the shocking footage in hopes of catching the suspect.
NYPD officials say a fight broke out between Malachi Capers — a former D-end at Buff. State — and another man after the two bumped into each other inside 136 Deli & Grill in Queens.
You can see in surveillance footage of the incident … Capers brushed up against the man’s shoulder — and then the two exchanged words.
Eventually, fists started flying … and that’s when the former football player tackled the guy to the ground outside the store.
When the man was able to free himself from Capers’ grasp … you can see in the video, he pulled out a firearm and shot the 20-year-old in the stomach.
Capers is now reportedly in the hospital battling critical injuries.
Now, the NYPD says it’s looking for the gunman — who officials ID’ed as Jeffrey Thurston — and is asking for any help in finding his location.
Buffalo State head coach Christian Ozolins, meanwhile, released a statement to multiple media outlets regarding the shooting … saying, “Malachi was a well-liked member of our football family during his freshman year in 2018 and has remained a friend to many in our program as he has continued his education at Buffalo State after leaving the team due to on-going injury issues.”
“We have him in our thoughts as we wish for a speedy and full recovery.”