Wounded Bystander Sues New York Police over Block-Party Shots

A bystander wounded in a police shootout with another man as a crowd left a New York City block party is suing the city and police.

Larry Garlick seeks unspecified damages in a suit filed Friday. City lawyers declined to comment.

It’s unclear who fired the bullet still lodged in Garlick’s thigh. His lawyer, Bruce Baron, says the shooter’s identity is irrelevant. He says improper police procedure is ultimately to blame for the mayhem.

Police said they fired 46 bullets after 24-year-old Angel Alvarez shot at an officer Aug. 8. Alvarez was shot multiple times. An acquaintance he’d been fighting was killed. Two officers and three bystanders were hurt.

Alvarez denies shooting at officers. He’s charged with weapons possession.

Prosecutors are investigating.