14-year-old boy hospitalized after being shot in West Philadelphia, police searching for 2 suspects
Police are searching for two suspects after a 14-year-old boy was shot in the chest and arm Sunday in West Philadelphia, police said.
The shooting happened in the area of 56th and Master streets at around 10 p.m., according to Philadelphia Police Department Inspector D F Pace.
Pace said officers responded to the area and found a 14-year-old boy, who was shot in the chest and arm. The 14-year-old was taken to a local hospital, where police say he's now in stable condition. Police sources say he's expected to make a full recovery.
Pace said officers found a significant amount of blood on the scene at 56th and Master streets, but have yet to find any spent shell casings from a weapon.
Pace said part of the incident was captured on video. It shows another young person running from the scene, but Pace said it's unclear if they're the suspected shooter or were with the 14-year-old.
The shooting remains under investigation.
Word of the shooting is tough to hear in a city that has made positive traction in lowering shooting and homicide numbers.
"I'm a gunshot survivor, and I was shot six times on New Year's Eve going into 2013," Kyle Morris-Sol said.
Morris-Sol is the founding co-executive director of The Eco Foundation, which stands for Education, Culture, and Opportunities Foundation.
"Every shooting affects our city, and not just because of the harm, but the way it ripples out into the community," Morris-Sol said.
His organization is one of many recently awarded micro-grants from the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.
They received $10,000 earlier this year.
His foundation supports people ages 10 through 30.
"To make sure they have not only employment, workforce development and certification programs," Morris-Sol said. "Everything from sign language, self-defense, sex ed to podcasting and painting. We make sure they have their needs met."
Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been given out, supporting efforts to steer young people away from crime.
Police figures show Philadelphia's homicide numbers are down considerably. Figures show they are 40% lower than this time last year. Shootings are also down by nearly 20%.