The killing of a 13-year-old boy who was stabbed to death while on a bus on Staten Island is being investigated as a case of gang violence, police officials said Friday.
The incident took place near the vicinity of Hylan Boulevard and Littlefield Avenue in the Eltingville section of Staten Island shortly before 2:30 p.m.
The 13-year-old was apparently stabbed three times in the chest after his teen attacker boarded the S78 bus and started yelling at the victim, according to witnesses. He was taken to Staten Island University South Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police announced Saturday morning that a 14-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon in the case.
Get Tri-state area news and weather forecasts to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York newsletters.
NYPD officials said Friday evening the stabbing was gang related.
"Gang signs were being shown back and forth," Chief of Patrol John Chell said.
About 20 people, mainly teens, were on board the bus at the time of the stabbing. One of the teenage riders who witnessed the attack said the young victim was pleading for help.
News
"He screamed, 'Help, somebody call the cops I can't breathe,'" the teen said.
Investigators were scouring the nearby area for the knife used in the attack, even combing through a storm drain directly behind the parked bus.
