A 17-year-old boy was shot and killed in downtown Pittsburgh over the weekend, intensifying concerns about youth gun violence and the safety of the city’s core.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning at the corner of Penn Avenue and Seventh Street, according to a news release from the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department.
Police provide details of the incident
Police said officers found the teen on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
More: Paul Skenes, a Sharpie and the most famous forehead in Pittsburgh
More: Jam on Walnut ends while SouthSide Street Fest gears up
More: The Andy Warhol Bridge is turning 100, and you’re invited to celebrate
Investigators have charged a 15-year-old with criminal homicide, accusing him of shooting the victim during a dispute, and tampering with evidence.
Concerns about youth violence persist
The killing comes as Pittsburgh’s overall homicides have decreased from recent highs, yet young people continue to make up a significant share of victims, according to Pittsburgh Police data.
Residents downtown expressed their concerns about the ongoing violence.
“You know, kids killing kids, babies killing babies,” Tyra Ross, who lives in the city, said, according to the announcement. “It’s not safe anywhere nowadays. … I wish they would put the guns down.”
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Downtown Pittsburgh teen shot dead amid rise in youth gun violence