A 13-year-old boy is in a critical condition after being shot in the head near a Dunkin’ Donuts in Queens on Monday morning, as reported by local law enforcement. The shooting took place around 8:20 a.m. at the crossroads of Linden and Springfield boulevards in the Cambria Heights neighborhood.
The suspect, who is still at large, was described as a man wearing a white hoodie and white sneakers, and carrying a black backpack. He reportedly left the scene immediately after the shooting.
Emergency services promptly transported the severely injured teenager to Cohen Children’s Medical Center. As of late Monday morning, his condition remained critical.
The motive behind the shooting is still unknown, and it has not been confirmed whether the boy was on his way to school at the time of the incident. The shooting site is near several schools, including PS/MS 147 Ronald McNair, Benjamin Franklin High School, and PS 176 Cambria Heights.
The incident has caused a stir in the community, with residents voicing their concerns about the safety of their children. The shooting has also sparked renewed debates about gun control and the need for enhanced security measures in public spaces, especially in areas close to schools.
As the investigation continues, local law enforcement is encouraging anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect to come forward. The community is rallying around the young victim and his family, hoping for his recovery.