Man shoots teen suspect during Kensington robbery attempt, police say

A teenage robber reportedly armed with a fake gun was shot by his would-be victim Sunday night in Kensington, police said.

Officers responded at around 11 p.m. to the 2300 block of N. Front Street, where they found a 16-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to his leg, authorities said. He was transported to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children with nonlife-threatening injuries, according to the PPD.

Investigators said the boy was shot after he and another male suspect approached a 21-year-old man who was walking to his car on the nearby 2200 block of Emerald Street.

The pair allegedly attempted to rob the man, who was licensed to carry a firearm, according to authorities. Police said the man pulled the weapon out, and ballistic evidence indicates he fired three shots.

Detectives recovered the man’s 9mm handgun at the scene, along with a replica handgun, apparently belonging to the suspects, officials said.

Police said the teen who was shot was taken into custody and is expected to face charges. The other robbery suspect fled the area and has not been apprehended.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call or text the PPD’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).