Coatesville teen shot in the stomach released from hospital

COATESVILLE, Pa. - March 23, 2014

Action News first reported on Tuesday about the shooting at Regency Park Apartments on Victoria Drive around 5:00 p.m.

Police say several men were in the parking lot when shots were fired.

"All I heard was 'pow' and then I moved from there and like my whole stomach just went numb for that moment. I told my mom, 'Ah mom! Ah mom, I got shot," said the victim.

The teen, who Action News is not identifying, was checking out the noise. That's when he was shot in the stomach but he rushed to shield his mother and little brother and even called 911.

"I crawled on my back to my mom and told her to calm down and stay on her legs so that no one else would get hit," he said.

Investigators still think the 15-year-old was hit by a stray bullet. However the victim and his family disagree because at least two bullets struck their home.

Earlier in the day, the Coatesville Area School District 9th grader says on the school bus he had words with another student who threatened to use a gun.

"I think probably somebody wanted to attack me or just hurt somebody in my house or in my family," he said.

Police say they investigated that claim but believe it's just a coincidence.

Right after the incident, authorities found and processed two vehicles possibly involved in the shooting but at this point no arrests have been made.

The teen's brother-in-law, who called him a respectful young man, says their family won't be returning to the scene.

"If you have a problem with somebody and you want to fight them, you guys go ahead and fight about it and let it go but taking somebody else's life," said the victim's brother-in-law.

Coatesville police also called the victim a good kid. He and his family are originally from Liberia, Africa and they moved to this area a couple of years ago.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Coatesville police.

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