The 8-year-old shot in a Bronx bodega last week--who had the wherewithal to comfort his panicking mother and apologize to the storeowner for getting blood on the floor-- gave a stilted, heart-warming interview on Good Day New York Thursday morning, telling hosts Greg Kelly and Rosanna Scotto that he wants to grow up to be a cop.
Armando still has a bullet in his shoulder from the February 21st incident in which a cycling gunman rode past the store and opened fire on Papa Yala's Deli on Randall Avenue. It's believed that the shooting was gang-related and Armando was not the target.
Police arrested 15-year-old Eduardo Rodriguez in connection with the shooting. Cops suspect Rodriguez was targeting another teen from a rival group. He is charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison.
Rodriguez's lawyer, however, argued in court Thursday that her client was misidentified as the shooter. From The New York Daily News:
Gallicchio said the lone witness who picked Rodriguez, 15, out of a lineup may have had “nefarious” motives — and that a second witness failed to identify her client.
“We should all be very careful before we jump to conclusions,” Gallicchio said, adding that the shooter’s face was partially covered by a hoodie.
Gallicchio also argued that the block has poor lighting and identifying the shooter would be difficult.
Meanwhile, Armando has returned to his home in the Soundview section of the Bronx where he is recuperating.