Worker killed in gunfight at Bx. auto shop

An angry customer opened fire inside a Bronx auto shop Tuesday, killing a tow truck driver who had returned fire during a wild gunfight, cops and witnesses said.

The 19-year-old shooter pulled out a gun inside First Choice Automotive at Randall and Bryant Aves. in Hunts Point just before 1:40 p.m., blasting away at John Vallejo, 32, police sources said.

“He was a customer. He brought his car in to be fixed, and he was upset. He just started firing,” said one worker, who didn’t give his name. “If we said we knew why, we’d be lying.”

Another worker said he tried to calm the shooter down.

“He came in angry. ‘It’s about my car!’ I was like ‘Chill, chill out. We’ll get to you.’ He pulled a gun and started firing,” the worker said. “I guess he thought he [Vallejo] was the owner. I just ran out.”

Vallejo took out his gun and returned fire. Vallejo was hit in the chest, and his attacker was struck in the chest and arm.

“John was on the ground, holding himself, saying, ‘I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe.’ We had to get him to the hospital,” said a shop manager, who didn’t give his name.

Medics rushed both men to Bellevue Hospital, but Vallejo could not be saved. The 19-year-old was taken into custody at the hospital. Charges against him were pending, cops said.

Police sources said the shooter was angry about his Jeep, and that the gunfight was caught on video.

Tony Guerroa, 35, a longtime friend of Vallejo, said the deadly confrontation left the victim’s relatives in shock.

“He was a great guy,” Guerroa said. “He grew up around here in Hunts Point. He has a wife and kids. I just spoke to his brother at the hospital. They can’t believe it.”

“We were friends since elementary school,” he said. “We grew up together. I can’t believe it.” Kerry Burke

and John Annese