Water Seller Bites Rival After Shooting Threat By City Hall: NYPD

FINANCIAL DISTRICT, NY — A water vendor bit a competitor's arm and threatened to shoot him Tuesday near City Hall Park, police said Thursday.

Police arrested Shamone Brown, 37, after he and fellow street vendor Matthew Small, 40, argued over who could hawk water at Warren Street and Broadway off City Hall Park just after 1 p.m., authorities said.

The argument turned physical when Brown threatened, "I have a gun. If I see you here again I will shoot you. I am a Blood." Small lunged at Brown and sunk his teeth into the man's right shoulder.

The victim was removed to New York Presbyterian Hospital for treatment, officials said. Police initiallythought Brown was stabbed.

The 40-year-old biter was arrested and charged with assault and issued a desk appearance ticket for an August 13th court date.

Brown was in possession of an air gun and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, assault, menacing and unlawful possession of marijuana. Brown is due in court on July 5.

Photo credit: Caroline Spivack/Patch