WASHINGTON — A 15-year-old was shot and killed in Northwest D.C. on Friday, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The shooting was reported just after 4:45 p.m. in the 1200 block of 7th Street NW.
When officers arrived, they found the teen, later identified as Makai Green, unconscious and not breathing in an alley. He was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries.
In a press conference Friday, MPD said the lone shooter got out of a car before going into the alley and shooting at a group of people, hitting Makai multiple times. The suspect then ran back to a car and drove away.
Officers plan to release photos of the suspect's car shortly. The suspect is described as about 5'10, very thin build, wearing blue jeans, a dark-colored jacket, a winter mask and tennis shoes.
MPD believes the teen was targeted by the shooter but there is no information regarding a motive.
"This individual came specifically to shoot the people in the alley," said Assistant Chief Andre Wright at the press conference.
Wright said the group of people in the alley didn't appear to be doing anything illegal when the shooting happened.
"This group was literally just hanging out, they were just talking to each other. We didn't see anything felonious other than obviously the suspect who comes into the alley and just indiscriminately shoots at this specific group of folks," Wright explained.
The assistant chief said he feels heartbroken for the teen and his family. As someone who was born and raised in DC, Wright said he made his fair share of mistakes as a kid.
"I got into a bit of trouble myself as a young man, I hope and pray for these young folks that they get a chance to do what I did which is to outlive their mistakes and to grow up and look back on some of the things that we did that were stupid," Wright said.
The alley where the shooting happened is near a public charter school. While most of the students had already left for the day, officers ran to the school to work with administrators to secure the school and place it on lockdown.
Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text the tip line at 50411.