Teen in custody for shooting of boy, 10, in Chester

CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- It should have been a day of fun at Veterans Memorial Park in Chester.

Instead, just feet from the pool, police could be seen counting bullet shells after gunfire erupted around 1:00 p.m., hitting a 10-year-old boy twice in the stomach.

"There was an altercation that took place outside the park around 9th Street," said Chester Police Commissioner Joseph Bail, "and the chase ensued, in which the shooter was chasing three young boys and the shooting occurred."

The child was found in the 3000 block of West 3rd Street being helped by a Good Samaritan.

Medics rushed the victim to Crozer-Chester Medical Center. He's listed in stable condition.

Witnesses from the park led investigators to the 17-year-old alleged shooter and helped them find the gun nearby.

"A 17 year old chasing a 10 year old - whatever motivated him obviously was the wrong thing, because he chose the wrong thing to do. That's shoot a gun," said Chester Mayor John Linder.

The 17-year-old was taken into custody shortly after the incident and was being questioned by police.

Police didn't say what motivated the shooting.

Linder said shootings like this won't be tolerated.

He points out the city has taken more than 500 guns off the street since 2012. He used Saturday's shooting to call for new laws.

"These are illegal guns," he said. "We want to get them off the street. We want people's support in getting sensible gun legislation here for illegal and stolen guns."

Anyone with additional information can contact Captain Anita Amaro at (610)-447-8433, or CID Detective Ken Bellis (610)-891-4717.