The mother of a 15-year-old who was paralyzed by a shooting at the Bryant Park skating rink plans to sue the city for $90 million claiming lax security at one of the city’s top tourist destinations.
“It’s pretty alarming what happened in the middle of Manhattan when everyone’s out there to have a good time,” said attorney Edward Gersowitz, who represents East Harlem mom Arislenis Martinez and her teen Adonis Mera, who is now a paraplegic. They also filed a petition in Manhattan Supreme Court Monday seeking information about how he got caught in the crossfire.
Martinez wants security footage, 911 calls and the identities of security guards present when the tragedy unfolded around 11 p.m. on Nov. 9, 2013.
“Security provided at the park and skating rink was inadequate if not nonexistent,” according to Martinez’s notice to sue the city.
The lack of oversight allowed “the shooter not only to access the skating rink and … engage in a dispute,” but also gave him the chance to pull out a gun without guards intervening, according to legal papers.
Alleged shooter Cory Dunton is awaiting trial for unloading a .22 caliber pistol at the rink, wounding his intended target Javier Contreras, 20, as well as innocent bystander Mera.
The incident started after Dunton, 16, tried to get Contreras to hand over a $680 Marmot status jacket known as a “biggie,” according to law enforcement.
Martinez’s legal claims asks for $50 million for her son’s pain and suffering, $20 million in lost earnings, $15 million for medical care and $5 million for other expenses.
The high school student was an aspiring basketball player.
A spokeswoman for the city’s Law Department declined to comment.