Boy, 14, 'extremely critical' after West Philly shooting

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Thursday, March 31, 2016
VIDEO: Teenager shot in West Philadelphia
A 14-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot in West Philadelphia.

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A 14-year-old boy is in extremely critical condition after being shot in West Philadelphia.

Police say the teen was found Tuesday night at 60th and Vine streets suffering from a gunshot wound to the back.

Prior to being located, police say the victim, who is from Yeadon, cut his ankle monitor.

Two of the victim's friends told police they were walking down the street and discovered the victim lying on the sidewalk.

Officers took the boy to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center to undergo surgery.

Police say eight shell casing were found at the scene.

Resident Carmelia Howell said, "There were a lot of shots, lots of shots directly across from me. I was scared. I was petrified. I had to grab my granddaughter under the bed with me, and we had to stay there for quite a while."

"Of course you're afraid. You don't want to fall victim to society," said another neighbor, Eric Muhammed.

Fliers were placed on neighbors doors Wednesday morning, and they are asking residents to report suspicious activity.

In return, neighbors are asking the city to put safety measures in place.

So far, no arrests have been made.