Metro

Man fatally shot in the head inside NYC smoke shop: cops

A man was fatally shot inside a Harlem smoke shop Sunday after the gunman blasted the victim in the head, according to harrowing footage of the cold-blooded killing.

The 36-year-old victim was found bleeding from bullet wounds inside the smoke shop at 304 Lenox Ave. around 8 p.m., police said.

The shooting is the latest rash of violence tied to the budding industry in the Big Apple.

The unnamed victim suffered a gunshot wound to the head and back, according to law enforcement sources.

He was taken to NYC Health and Hospitals/Harlem where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.

The suspect and the 36-year-old were involved in a dispute moments before the shooting, cops said.

Video of the encounter, obtained by The Post, shows the gunman and victim talking for several seconds as several other men stand around.

The victim appears to start leaving, but as he’s walking out, the suspect pulled a gun out of his pocket and fired — striking the victim in the head, according to the footage.

A man was fatally shot in the head inside a Harlem smoke shop Sunday.
The gunman is seen walking up behind the victim before getting into position to take his shot.
The suspect and the victim were involved in a dispute moments before the shooting.

The victim fell to the ground, but was still moving and appeared to try to get himself up before the shooter callously fired another round into the man’s back, the video shows.

The suspect is seen casually leaving the store following the violent attack.

Officers said he fled on foot wearing dark-colored clothing.

No arrests have been made.

The gunman appeared to be casually exiting the smoke shop following the killing of the man.
The shooter reportedly fled on foot. G.N.Miller/NYPost

The Harlem store wasn’t the only smoke shop where employees needed to call police Sunday.

A smoke shop in Brooklyn was robbed by a masked suspect who displayed an unknown object and swiped cash, authorities said.

The robber was wearing all black including a mask, the NYPD said.

No injuries were reported.

A bullet casing marked as evidence at the crime scene. G.N.Miller/NYPost
The gunman has not yet been identified and no arrests have been made. G.N.Miller/NYPost
Law enforcement personnel inside the smoke shop investigating the shooting. G.N.Miller/NYPost

Robberies at NYC’s stoner-friendly storefronts continue to climb, a top cop said at a March 20 City Council public safety hearing.

Robberies targeting storefronts that sell pot paraphernalia – and in many cases unregulated cannabis – have increased 10% this year compared to 2022, Police Chief of Patrol John Chell said.

Days before the council hearing, a worker was shot and killed during a botched smoke shop robbery in Queens. 

Additional reporting by Tina Moore.