East Harlem

2 Teens Shot In East Harlem, Including 14-Year-Old Critically Hurt After Shot in Head

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Two teenagers were shot in East Harlem, leaving one of them critically injured after being struck in the head as bullets flew in broad daylight, according to police.

The shooting occurred just before 4:30 p.m. on East 128th Street between Lexington Avenue and Park Avenue, as the teens went to a deli for a few moments to buy snacks, police said. As they were leaving, the gunman was at the street corner and fired at them.

The 14-year-old boy was shot in the head, and cellphone video showed police desperately trying to save him as he laid on the ground. The teen was taken to Harlem Hospital where he was said to be in critical condition, according to police. A 15-year-old boy was also shot, struck in the leg by a bullet as he ran away. He was expected to recover, police said, after a good Samaritan helped with his injuries.

Seven shell casings were recovered at the scene, according to three police officials. The suspect, who was said to be wearing a grey sweatshirt and blue jeans who fled west on 128th Street.

There was no information regarding a potential motive in the shooting, which is believed to have been targeted. A witness told police that they knew the 14-year-old, and that the family had just moved to New Jersey. The witness, who did not want to be identified for fear of his safety, said the teen had stopped back in the neighborhood to say final goodbyes.

An investigation is ongoing. Police are canvassing for ballistic and video evidence from the area. Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to come forward.

Correction: Police previously said that the 14-year-old victim had been killed. This story has been corrected to state that the 14-year-old is in critical condition.

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