A 14-year-old boy was shot in the back while walking home Tuesday night in West Philadelphia, authorities said.
The shooting happened just after 10:45 p.m. on the 5600 block of Race Street, according to police. Investigators said the teenager took off running after he encountered a male who pulled out a gun. The suspect fired a single shot, the PPD said.
Medics took the boy to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was listed in stable condition, police said.
No arrests were made as of Wednesday, and the PPD has not commented on a possible motive. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call or text the police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Since the beginning of the year, 27 children 17 years old and younger have been shot in Philadelphia, down 10% compared to the same date in 2024, according to the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting’s dashboard. By comparison, the number of shooting victims over the age of 18 has dropped 18%.
Counseling, peer support, and victim advocacy services are available for victims, family members, and others affected by gun violence. Go to metrophiladelphia.com/gun-violence-resources for more information.
