(NewsNation) — New York City police upgraded Frank R. James from a “person of interest” to a “suspect” in connection to a Brooklyn subway shooting that injured at least 10 people.
Police identified James, 62, as a person of interest just hours after 10 people were shot and another 13 were injured in the Sunset Park subway station Tuesday morning.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said James was now considered a suspect “based on new information that has become available to the team.”
Earlier, Adams told the NewsNation affiliate WPIX that investigators believe James acted alone. The mayor urged anyone who may come into contact with James to call the police, but added that no one should engage or interact with him
At a news conference Tuesday night, New York police said they had located a U-Haul van in connection with the shooting and believed James rented the van in Philadelphia.
During the course of their investigation, police have recovered multiple smoke devices and other items they are analyzing, two law enforcement officials said.
The man was wearing a green construction-style vest and a gray hoodie, New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said during a news briefing. He also was reported to be wearing a gas mask at the time of the shooting.
Sixteen people received medical treatment, 10 of whom suffered gunshot wounds, according to the FDNY. Others were harmed and suffered injuries including smoke inhalation and shrapnel wounds.
Five people were reported to have been in critical condition after the shooting Tuesday, although none of their injuries were considered life-threatening. Officials have not publicly released the victims’ identities.
According to one law enforcement source, a Glock 17 with an extended magazine was recovered at the scene with rounds remaining in the weapon. A witness said the gun jammed before the shooter dropped it.
There were no known explosive devices on New York subway trains as of Tuesday afternoon and the shooting is not being investigated as an act of terrorism, Sewell said.
Pressed on the issue, however, Sewell said the department isn’t ruling out any possibilities.
The city’s subway was up and running Wednesday morning.
This is a developing situation. Check Newsnationnow.com for updates as they become available.
NewsNation affilate WPIX contributed to this report.