NYPD searches for 2 men in Manhattan shooting

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The NYPD is investigating a shooting in Lower Manhattan Monday afternoon that apparently started as a dispute between two men. (NYPD)

The NYPD is investigating a shooting in Lower Manhattan Monday afternoon that apparently started as a dispute between two men. The argument between the men began in Battery Park, then moved to the street, where gunfire erupted at about 3:15 p.m. in front of 17 Battery Place, police said.

Two people who were walking along the sidewalk were shot. Police believe they were simply bystanders. A 35-year-old woman was shot in the ankle, the NYPD said. She was taken to Bellevue Medical Center, the FDNY said. A 40-year-old man was shot in the torso and was being treated at a hospital in Brooklyn. Officials believe the injuries are not life-threatening.

Police are looking for the suspects. Detectives questioned several witnesses and gathered evidence while officers guarded the scene.

One of the suspects is described by police as a Black male, 30-40 years old with a heavy build.  He was wearing black hat, black jacket, red plaid shirt, blue jeans and black shoes.

The second suspect is described as a black man, bald and 30-40 years old. He was last seen wearing a blue sweat shirt, blue jeans, multi-colored sneakers and carrying a tan backpack.

The shooting happened near a federal building. Heavily armed uniformed federal officers were seen nearby, but it is not clear that their visibility had anything to do with the shooting.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers at any of the following:

1-800-577-TIPS (8477)

WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting  tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

The NYPD says all calls/texts are strictly confidential.