16-year-old boy shot in the back in the Bronx after earlier reported incident, according to police.

A 16-year-old boy was shot in the back in the Bronx while attempting to flee from a group of masked attackers, as reported by police and witnesses on Friday. The incident occurred near the intersection of East 161st Street and Forest Avenue around 9:30 a.m., prompting a swift response from local law enforcement and emergency medical services.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the teenager suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical technicians transported him in stable condition to Harlem Hospital, where he is expected to recover from his injuries. The police are currently investigating whether this shooting is connected to a prior incident in the same vicinity, according to sources within the police department.

Witness accounts indicate that the young victim was walking alone when he was approached by three or four individuals, all of whom were wearing masks. They reportedly shouted a name, prompting the boy to turn and run in the opposite direction. A witness, a 38-year-old woman who chose to remain anonymous but described herself as a former nurse, observed the confrontation unfold.

The witness recounted seeing one of the assailants draw a weapon and fire at the victim as he attempted to escape. She immediately rushed to the boy’s side, provided initial care until medical personnel arrived, and called 911. Despite the seriousness of the situation, she noted that the wound was not excessively bleeding and was situated near the spine. The witness assured the victim to remain calm and still until help arrived.

The traumatic nature of the event left the witness shaken, as she reflected on her own child at home during the crisis. She expressed concern for the victim’s safety and the broader implications of violence in the community.

Authorities are working diligently to determine the motives behind the shooting and whether it is linked to a previous altercation in the area that did not result in injuries. Investigators have not yet confirmed the connection to the earlier incident, leaving many questions unanswered in the close-knit community. The Bronx continues to grapple with concerns about youth violence and public safety, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support systems to address these challenges.

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