Model shot at T.I concert plans to sue police for 'heartless' harassment
A model who was shot at a concert in the US, says she plans to sue the NYPD, after she was allegedly interviewed by police while she was being rushed to hospital.
26-year-old Maggie Heckstall was reportedly in the VIP section of Irving Plaza watching the T.I concert last week, when a gunman, believed to be rapper Troy Ave, opened fire.
Ms Heckstall’s boyfriend, rapper Maino, was an opening act at the concert.
One person was killed and three, including Ms Heckstall, were injured.
A bullet struck Ms Heckstall in the leg and she was rushed to hospital.
However she claims police tried to interview her while she was being treated in the ambulance.
The model told the New York Post that police wouldn’t stop asking her questions, while doctors cut off her clothes so they could treat her.
Her lawyer Emel McDowell, claimed police had denied her family visitation rights and stood guard outside her room in Bellevue Hospital.
Police were sent a cease and desist letter, however Ms Heckstall now plans to take legal action.
She has said she did not see the gunman, and that her only focus after the shooting was how she would get to safety.
She accused police of being ‘heartless’ and claimed they harassed her.
“The interrogation started in the ambulance. The detective was in the trauma unit the whole time, while they're cutting my clothes off and everything,” she said.
Ms Heckstall is not under investigation or in custody for any crime.
“She didn't ask for police protection,” Mr McDowell said.
“She's obviously a victim in this. They're making her life worse by doing this.”
The model is reportedly recovering from surgery in ICU.
Her lawyers also planned to file a claim against those responsible for the shooting, including the concert hall.
ARREST UPDATE: Roland Collins (A.K.A. Troy Ave), 33, charged with Attempted Murder & Criminal Possession of a Weapon https://t.co/pb7IbuwbK5
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 26, 2016
It’s believed suspected gunman Troy Ave, also known as Roland Collins, was seen on CCTV firing a handgun.
Hi security guard Ronald McPhatter was shot dead.
Christopher Vinson, 34, was also shot in the chest but is in a stable condition.
Mr Collins allegedly shot himself in the leg during the gunfight.
He was reportedly arrested on Thursday, at a Manhattan hospital. Police have since said she is no evidence that he killed McPhatter.
Mr Collins has been charged with attempted murder however it’s been suggested police believe there was another shooter.
Phone footage showed Ms Heckstall screaming ‘My leg! My leg!’ as others ran and ducked for cover after hearing gunshots.
Police have said it appeared T.I was not involved in the dispute.
The rapper released a statement about the incident on Instagram last week.
“My heart is heavy today. Our music is intended to save lives, like it has mine and many others,” he said.
