Police say a 34-year-old man was shot in the stomach inside a bar.
Albany Police tell us they are currently investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday morning at Café Hollywood on Lark Street.
Police said they responded to the scene around 1:05 a.m. after reports of a shooting.
A 32-year-old man was shot in his abdomen while inside Café Hollywood, said police.
The victim took himself to Albany Medical Center Hospital, where officers located him. Police said he is currently in stable condition.
Authorities add that the suspect fled prior to police arrival.
The City of Albany said that Café Hollywood will remain closed indefinitely following the shooting.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said in a statement, "Overnight a shooting took place at Cafe Hollywood, located at 275 Lark St. The City of Albany's primary obligation is to keep our residents and visitors safe and that is why, after consulting with the Albany Police Department, Department of Corporation Counsel, and the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance, the decision has been made to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy for Cafe Hollywood effective immediately. The business shall remain closed indefinitely, and inspectors from the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance will inspect the property regularly to ensure it remains unoccupied."
Albany Councilmember Gabriella Romero released a statement on social media about the shooting.
"Early this morning, a targeted shooting occurred inside Café Hollywood on Lark Street, leaving a 32-year-old injured. This establishment has repeatedly proven it cannot responsibly operate under its current management. The New York State Liquor Authority must revoke Cafe Hollywood's license in order to protect the well-being of the 6-th Ward neighborhood and larger Albany community. Enough is enough," Romero wrote.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Albany Police Detective Division at 518-462-8039.
NewsChannel 13 spoke with Jesse Sommer who lives on Lark Street and owns a business on the street.
His business, the New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room, is just steps away from Café Hollywood and he said the city should not shut down Café Hollywood because of this shooting.
"I really want to emphasize it's not about blaming the victim," Sommer said. "It's not the responsibility or the fault of these owners of bars and restaurants to police people who are intent on committing crimes."
Sommer said that Lark Street has potential to be an amazing place, but the violence needs to stop.
"There is a way to pacify Lark Street. There is a way to make it safe and enjoyable for families, for residents, for people who are just trying to get a drink at a tasting room or any of the other amazing bars and restaurants on this corridor," Sommer said.
The shooting at Café Hollywood in the second shots fired incident on Lark Street in the past few days. The shots fired incident this past Wednesday shattered the front door of a business on Lark Street, Bitchin Donuts.
Café Hollywood is also no stranger to violence in the recent years. In July of 2021 the bar was closed after someone was shot on Willet Street. Police said that the shooter had a connection to the bar. Café Hollywood was closed temporarily but reopened in October of 2021.
Then in October of this year of man was stabbed in the neck when he tried to break up a fight right in front of the bar. A 39-year-old male was arrested after that attack.
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