NEW YORK, NY – A teenager is on the mend after being shot late Wednesday night in the Bronx’s Wakefield neighborhood, while authorities continue their search for the assailant. The incident unfolded on East 226th Street and Barnes Avenue shortly before 10 p.m., and was captured in exclusive footage showing a vehicle speeding away moments after the gunfire erupted.
Residents initially mistook the sound of shots for fireworks. “I thought it was just kids playing with firecrackers,” said a local who later learned from their daughter that it was gunfire. The 16-year-old victim was struck in the leg and armpit and is currently recovering in the hospital. However, police report that the teenager is not cooperating with their investigation.
The shooting comes amid a concerning rise in gun violence among minors in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams recently noted a significant increase in the number of shooting victims under the age of 18, with a 133% rise compared to 2018 figures.
Community members are expressing their alarm over the incident. “Teenagers should be safe at home, under the care of guardians,” said one local resident. “It’s frightening to think that such violence can happen so close to home, especially when we are just going about our daily routines.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in solving such crimes. Residents can contact the police anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about youth safety and gun violence in urban areas, prompting calls for increased community involvement and preventive measures. As the investigation continues, city officials and residents alike are grappling with the broader implications of rising violence among young people.