STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police said that a verbal dispute apparently sparked a shooting that critically injured a 20-year-old man outside the Berry Houses on Monday night.

The victim is in critical condition on Tuesday morning in the Intensive Care Unit at Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, said a SIUH spokesman.

The suspect still is at large and no arrests have been made in the incident on Tuesday morning, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

A verbal dispute appears to be the motive, the NYPD spokeswoman said.

On Tuesday morning, at least two NYPD cars and a van are parked outside of 235 Jefferson St. The entrances to the building are roped off with crime scene tape, although some residents are going over and under the barriers to enter the building.

Detectives, officers and other members of the NYPD could be seen searching through bags of clothing and other items on the lawn in front of 235 Jefferson St. The NYPD Crime Scene Unit van is parked in front of the building.

Several residents from the surrounding buildings said they heard about five gunshots echo in the night, followed by the sound of people screaming for help.

The victim has been described by people who know him as a good kid who plays in the Under the Lights Basketball League.