A 45-year-old Brooklyn man was shot and killed early Today outside a strip club in Astoria, Queens, after a masked gunman tried to rob him of his jewelry. Police sources identified the victim as Hector Figuereo, according to WABC. The shooting happened just before 4 a.m. outside the Riviera Gentlemen’s Club on Steinway Street near 35th Avenue. The gunman fled without taking anything, and no arrests have been made.
That is the hardest part of this story. The robber got nothing. Investigators believe Figuereo was shot in the back during a struggle as he fought off the attempt to take his jewelry. A man lost his life over something that was never taken.
What happened in the Astoria shooting?
According to police, the gunman came up behind Figuereo and grabbed for his jewelry. During the struggle, he opened fire and hit Figuereo in the back. Officers from the 114th Precinct responded with EMS. Figuereo was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital in critical condition and later died. Police have not said whether he had been inside the club.
Who is the Astoria shooting suspect?
Police are still searching for him. He fled west on 35th Avenue in a white Mercedes SUV, according to WABC. Witnesses described him wearing a black mask and, according to WABC, a green Nike Tech sweatsuit. Detectives spent Today collecting evidence and working to identify him.
Is crime rising in Astoria?
Homicides in the area are up this year. WABC reported that this killing is the fifth homicide in the 114th Precinct in 2026, compared with two at the same point last year. The club itself has seen violence before. In February 2018, two men were shot and wounded during a brawl outside the same location, also in the early morning hours.
How are Astoria business owners reacting?
Many are shaken. Ana Perdomo, who has worked in the area for 30 years, told WABC it was the first time she had heard of a shooting there that ended in a death. Shadie Samoh, who opened his business about a year ago because he believed the neighborhood was safe, said he worries the killing will scare customers away. Community members said they want the gunman caught quickly.
How can you help police find the Astoria gunman?
Anyone with information can call the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 800 577 TIPS, or 888 57 PISTA for Spanish. Tips can also be submitted online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on X at @NYPDTips. All tips are kept confidential…