HYATTSVILLE, Md. — Police have released more information regarding the shooting of a teenage boy on Friday, saying the 14-year-old victim was shot after refusing to hand over his jacket.
Hyattsville Police and Prince George's County firefighters responded to a report of a shooting in the 3500 block of Carnaby Street just after noon. That's near Northwestern High School. School officials said the school was placed on lockdown due to the nearby police activity. That lockdown has since been lifted.
Authorities say the boy, only described as a young teenager, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
According to Hyattsville Police, the victim was part of two groups of teenage boys who got into a fight. One of the boys demanded the 14-year-old's Moose Knuckle jacket and when the victim refused, the boy took out a gun and shot him.
All of the teens, except for the victim, ran away. Police say the three teens wanted for the shooting took off running into a nearby construction zone and have not been found.
Police say all three teens were last seen wearing jackets, one described as a black puffer coat, another as a blue jacket, and the third as a red hooded sweatshirt.
"It's absurd. It's another example of ruthless crime," Towers said of the shooting.
District 2 Council Member Wanika Fisher released a statement following the robbery turned shooting:
"I’m angry and saddened by the violence in my district that’s put a 14-year-old boy in the hospital with gunshot injuries. My prayers are with the victim and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Police have said the teen was shot when he refused to hand over his jacket during a robbery, and it’s appalling to me that anyone would resort to such violence while trying to steal from a child. I’m appealing to the community to cooperate with police in this investigation. If you know anything about what happened, please contact Hyattsville Police so we can bring everyone involved to justice. It’s imperative that we all do our part to create safer communities where our children can grow up without fear."
Anyone who may know the whereabouts of the three men, or who may have information helpful to the investigation is asked to call Hyattsville Police at 301-985-5060.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.