Police seek young boy in Bronx playground shooting that injured 13-year-old: NYPD
THE BRONX, N.Y. — The NYPD launched a search this week for a Bronx shooting suspect believed to be as young as 11 years old.
The boy, who police said is between 11 and 13 years old, allegedly shot a 13-year-old during a fight inside Hunts Point Playground on Thursday.
The victim was hit once in the knee and taken to a hospital in stable condition, police said.
The suspect was last seen running west on Hunts Point Avenue with four other individuals, according to the NYPD.
Police said the suspect goes by the name “Chulo.” They described him as about 4 foot, 11 inches tall and 110 pounds.
Caryl Perez, a woman who lives near the park, was surprised someone so young had access to a gun.
"They are not mature enough to de-escalate," she said. "The two of them - it’s just so sad."
This latest Bronx shooting involving followed an emotional news conference earlier with Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announcing the indictment of four reputed gang members between the ages of 16 and 18. They were indicted for a string of crimes, including murder and manslaughter.
“We are experiencing an utter catastrophe here in the Bronx and I am pleading begging the rest of the city to pay attention to the Bronx,” Clark said at the news conference.
A total of 13 young men were indicted for summertime rash of shootings in the Bronx that is clearly continuing.
“We must do something to change the course of young people who gravitate to gangs so they do not wind up committing serious crimes," Clark said.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said the indictment was an "example of the endless stream of guns in our city and the devastating impact on victims."
A Bronx resident suggested one possible solution.
“New York City has one of the toughest gun laws and still they get them so stop and frisk may be an option,” Frankie Velez told PIX11 News. “Something has to be done. It’s not safe."
Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).