Youth Shot in Bronx Amid Rising Gun Violence
Bronx, NY — A 17-year-old boy was shot in the hip late Thursday night at a public housing development in the Bronx, marking a disturbing escalation in youth-related gun violence in the city. This incident occurred only hours after two other teenagers, also aged 17, were struck by stray bullets in a separate event earlier in the day.
Incident Details
The shooting took place just before 10 p.m. at the Forest Houses on Trinity Avenue near East 165th Street in the Longwood neighborhood. According to police reports, the boy was walking through the grounds when he was shot, prompting immediate medical assistance. He was subsequently transported to Harlem Hospital, where he is currently listed in stable condition.
Witnesses reported that the suspect fled the scene southbound on Trinity Avenue, potentially riding a Citi Bike. Police have yet to confirm any further details about the assailant or whether the shooting was targeted.
Earlier Shooting
Earlier in the day, two 17-year-old boys were shot around 1:20 p.m. at East 176th Street and Anthony Avenue in the Mount Hope area. Both victims, who appeared to be innocent bystanders, sustained serious injuries: one was shot in the right arm and the other in the neck. They were both taken to Columbia University Irving Medical Center and are also in stable condition.
Sources indicate that neither of the boys had any criminal history and that they were unwitting victims caught in crossfire, as no altercation was reported.
Family Reactions
A mother of one of the victims expressed her relief that her son survived the shooting. "I feel blessed that he’s alive; he can still walk and talk," she stated, emphasizing her gratitude despite the unfortunate circumstances. However, she also voiced her concerns about the increasing violence in their neighborhood, noting, "I don’t believe he or his friends have any enemies around here. From the looks of things, it doesn’t seem like he is going to be outside anymore."
Amid the rising tide of youth violence in New York City, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch recently attributed the alarming trend to the state’s controversial "Raise the Age" law, which has been a focal point of public debate.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, police are appealing to the public for any information regarding the shooting incidents. The rising gun violence within the community serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many neighborhoods face in ensuring safety for their youth.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.