A 15-year-old boy is fighting for his life after a shooting rocked Northeast Philadelphia’s Mayfair neighborhood Wednesday evening, according to police.
The gunfire erupted just after 5 p.m. on the 3000 block of Nesper Street, sending neighbors and families running for safety as multiple shots rang out through the residential area.
Responding officers found the teenager lying beside a parked vehicle with gunshot wounds to his shoulder and abdomen. Police said the teen was bleeding heavily when officers arrived at the scene.
He was rushed to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital, where he remains in stable but critical condition.
Investigators recovered 11 spent shell casings scattered across the sidewalk, indicating that a semi-automatic weapon may have been used during the shooting.
Police described the suspected shooter as someone dressed entirely in black clothing, including a dark hooded sweatshirt with white lettering on the back. The suspect was also wearing a face mask and was last seen fleeing south on Battersby Street.
Authorities are now reviewing surveillance footage from homes in the neighborhood in hopes of identifying the shooter and learning what led to the violence.
Police said the injured teen was with at least one other teenager before the shooting happened. Detectives are currently attempting to locate that individual, who may be an important witness in the investigation.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Investigators also recovered a BB gun at the scene, though police have not confirmed whether it played any role in the incident.
Residents described moments of panic as gunfire echoed through the block during a busy afternoon.
One nearby child said the terrifying experience left them shaking in fear as families rushed for cover.
Neighbor Josei Eilend said she heard the teen crying for help and immediately ran outside with medical supplies to assist him before paramedics arrived.
She described trying to stop the bleeding while reassuring the injured teen that help was coming.
Other neighbors expressed frustration and sadness over the violence, saying incidents involving young people and firearms have become increasingly alarming.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been announced.
