On January 9, 2023, a dispute in a playground at the Plaza Residences complex on New Lots Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn, ended with 50-year-old Reginald Thawney shot in the chest. The confrontation occurred about 10:22 p.m. and was witnessed by two officers who were near the playground.

Police say Thawney allegedly produced a screwdriver during the argument; the other person in the dispute then drew a handgun and shot him. Emergency medical services took Thawney to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators recovered the screwdriver at the scene but say the shooter fled and the firearm was not recovered.

No arrests have been reported and authorities have released no further identifying details about the suspect or the cause of the dispute. If anyone saw the shooting or has information about who fired the weapon, please share what is known with investigators.