Two teens allegedly involved in a gunfight that sparked NYPD cops to open fire — including an 18-year-old wearing an ankle monitor — were charged Tuesday with attempted murder, cops and sources said.
Damien Calhoun, 18 — who sources say copped a plea deal in connection to another attempted murder case from last year and was still wearing an ankle monitor — was charged alongside a 15-year-old boy who was shot in the leg during the 5:30 p.m. Monday melee on the grounds of NYCHA’s Wagner Houses in East Harlem, cops said.
In addition to attempted murder, both teens were charged with criminal possession of a weapon, police said.
The trouble began when officers responding to an unrelated 911 call at the housing complex heard numerous shots fired on 123rd Street and spotted a teenager blasting off a gun at other youths, NYPD officials said.
One cop fired his weapon at the suspect, and then he and a partner chased the teen down, police said.
Two 15-year-old boys suffered gunshot wounds — one to the left leg, the other to the left knee.
Both were taken to Harlem Hospital in stable condition.
Cops were still investigating Tuesday whether the teens were shot by the officer’s bullets or hit by gunfire from the shooters.
Cahoun – who was found to be carrying a gun loaded with a high-capacity magazine in his bag but was not shot during the ordeal – as well as the 15-year-old shot in the leg — were taken into custody at the scene, cops said.
Calhoun was released on $75,000 bond posted by his family in connection to last year’s arrest – but was fitted with an ankle monitor, required to finish school and complete court-ordered programs, according to sources familiar with his case.
In July, he pleaded guilty to attempted murder – keeping him out on the street, though he was still required to complete the programs, the sources said.
Chief of Patrol Phillip Rivera said Monday night that the state’s controversial “Raise the Age” law was to blame for his release.
With his new arrest, Calhoun is in danger of losing his plea in last year’s case – and could spend between five and 25 years in prison if convicted, the sources said.
The 15-year-old – whose name was not released because he is a minor – is also no stranger to police.
He too was charged with attempted murder after he allegedly shot at someone and missed in Harlem on Aug. 12, the sources said.
A judge previously set his bail at $150,000 cash or $450,000 bond, with an electronic monitor as a condition if he were to post bail, according to the sources.
But he was released when prosecutors didn’t file an indictment on time, as required by Section 180.80 in New York State Criminal Procedure Law, the sources said.
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Surveillance video of Monday’s violence showed two groups of youths arguing on the street and then opening fire on each other, the NYPD said.
“Once again we are here discussing the sad realities of youth violence and the consequences of our laws that have allowed some teens who commit violent crimes to evade meaningful accountability,” Rivera told reporters.
