Man Charged With Attempted Murder For Shooting Target Guard

KIPS BAY, NY — A man was charged for attempted murder after shooting a retired cop at a soon-to-open Target in Kips Bay on Sunday.

Christian Vargas, 25, was charged with attempted murder among other charges on Monday after allegedly shooting a security guard at a Target located at East 29th St. and Second Ave. early Sunday morning, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint says a retired officer was working security at the Target early Sunday morning. He was armed at the time with a license to carry, the complaint said.

The complaint says that Vargas tried to kick open the front entrance of the Target, which is expected to open on April 7.

The man spat and hit the guard resulting in a struggle, according to the complaint.

The guard and Vargas were arguing before the physical fight began, which Manhattan Assistant DA Nicholas Penfold said could have been a comment the guard made about a woman with Vargas, according to the Daily News.

During the tussle, according to the complaint, the guard's pistol fell on the ground, and Vargas picked it up.

Vargas then shot the guard three times causing internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery at Bellevue Hospital, the complaint said.

The Daily News reported the guard was shot in the ankle, hip and thigh, but is in stable condition.

Vargas' lawyer, Eliza Orlins of Legal Aid, said she had questions regarding how the weapon came out of the guard's holster and hinted at a self-defense claim, the News reported.

The complaint said officers found eight shell casings at the location.

The News reported that Vargas left his wallet and keys at the scene, which helped cops find him, but police have not yet found the gun itself.

Vargas was held on $200,000 bail and returns to court on Tuesday.