FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A 15-year-old boy was taken to the hospital after he was shot in the back and shoulder during an exchange of gunfire in the city of Fort Pierce, police say.
The Fort Pierce Police Department said officers responded shortly before 3 p.m. to the 900 block of North 23rd Street, near Stoney’s BBQ, after receiving reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found a juvenile male suffering from a gunshot wound. Police said the victim was alert and conscious at the scene. He was transported by St. Lucie County Fire Rescue to a local hospital for treatment. Police say he was shot in the upper back and shoulder area. The teen is currently undergoing surgery at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Location of the shooting Monday in Fort Pierce. (Google Maps){ }
Preliminary information indicates the victim was walking along the street with a group of friends when another group opened fire in their direction. The suspects fled the area before officers arrived, police said. CBS12 spoke with Major Santiago with FPPD, who said gunfire was exchanged between the teen’s group and another party when the 15-year-old victim was shot. Santiago confirmed the boy was unarmed and did not fire any shots.
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The incident remains under investigation, and no arrests have been announced.
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Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-467-6800 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-8477.