Brandon Lincoln Woodward New York City shooting: Man fatally shot West 58th Street, near 7th Avenue

NEW YORK -- A man was shot and killed Monday afternoon while walking in New York City's Midtown area, a popular tourist hotspot during the busy holiday season, according to police.

Brandon Lincoln Woodward, 31, of Los Angeles, was shot once in the back of the head at close range, according to Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne.

Woodward was transported to St. Luke's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The gunman approached the victim from behind as both walked on West 58th Street between 7th Avenue and Broadway. After firing, the assailant entered the front passenger seat of a parked vehicle and fled the scene, according to police.

While many pedestrians heard the gunshot, few reacted fast enough to catch a glimpse of the gunman. "I was thinking it was just more or less a tire pop or a firecracker," witness Jose Villafane told CNN. After crossing the street, Villafane found the victim lying on the street.

"The shooter didn't take anything from him," Browne said, and there is "no indication of what the shooting was over."

Police are still seeking the gunman.