PHOTOS: “Blue Bloods” returns to Bay Ridge with a bang

“Blue Bloods” has returned to Bay Ridge.

The stars were out in the neighborhood on Tuesday, November 28 as the hit CBS show, now in its eighth season, returned to Bay Ridge to film an intense action scene.

The big highlight of the shoot, which featured Donnie Wahlberg, Len Cariou and others, included a car chase that ends up with a car slamming into the set of a deli that was created in the garage adjacent to Harbor Car Service, 9419 Fifth Avenue, during the Thanksgiving weekend. A vehicle crashed into the fake store, called Exceptional Deli, around 12 p.m.

A large crowd of Bay Ridge residents and fans of the program gathered around the shoot as the neighborhood went Hollywood for a day.

“I saw a bunch of policemen and ambulances and wondered if it was a catastrophe but they were parked properly so I didn’t think so,” said one bystander, Madeline. “It’s a nice surprise on Tuesday morning. I’ve seen the show a few times but I think I’ll watch it now. I love that they’re filming here. Bay Ridge is a great neighborhood. I was born here and it’s a great area to film.  I’m waiting for the big crash.”

“I think Bay Ridge is a popular area and it’s probably easier to manage the people and traffic. It’s cool to see. I watch the show,” added Isadora B. “This is definitely cool to see. I live right near the filming.”

Some onlookers thought a real car crash had occurred, but were relieved to hear it was just staged. Others thought the deli was a new business in town.

“I think it’s pretty cool and I’m excited about it,” said Michelle Neto, an employee at the nearby Mike’s Deli. “It makes the neighborhood more upbeat and the day go by faster. Everyone told me there’s a new deli in town and you have competition. I told them, ‘No, it’s a storefront and it’s going to be up in smoke in about 20 hours.'”

This isn’t the first time the crime drama has made its way to Bay Ridge. The show has filmed throughout the years in areas such as Harbor View Terrace and St. Patrick’s Church.

“Blue Bloods” airs Fridays at 10 p.m. on CBS.