North Philadelphia, December 12, 2025
A 14-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen in an apparent accidental shooting in North Philadelphia. The incident occurred when another teenager mishandled a firearm in a residence. The victim is in stable condition after being taken to a hospital. Police are investigating the incident and searching for the alleged shooter, who fled the scene. This case raises serious concerns regarding firearm safety among youth in the city.
Philadelphia: 14-Year-Old Injured in Apparent Accidental Shooting
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A 14-year-old boy was injured in an apparent accidental shooting on Thursday evening in North Philadelphia. The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. on the 1500 block of North 17th Street, in a residence near Temple University. The teenager was found in a third-floor bedroom with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was transported to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, where he is currently in stable condition.
According to police, approximately 15 individuals, including teenagers and young adults, were present on the third floor when the shooting took place. Witnesses reported that another 14-year-old boy was handling a firearm when it discharged, striking the victim. The alleged shooter fled the scene immediately after the incident. Police have identified the shooter and are actively searching for him. They are also interviewing witnesses and reviewing nearby surveillance footage to gather more information.
Investigators found a spent shell casing and a trail of blood on the third floor of the home. The firearm involved in the incident has not been recovered, and authorities are working to determine its current location. The victim does not reside at the property but frequently visits the location. Police are urging the teenager who fired the gun and his parents to come forward to assist with the investigation.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding firearm safety among teenagers in Philadelphia. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for proper education to prevent such accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the shooting incident?
A 14-year-old boy was injured in an apparent accidental shooting on the 1500 block of North 17th Street in North Philadelphia. The shooting occurred when another 14-year-old boy was handling a firearm, which discharged and struck the victim in the abdomen.
What is the current condition of the injured teenager?
The 14-year-old victim was transported to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and is currently in stable condition.
Who is responsible for the shooting?
Police have identified the alleged shooter as another 14-year-old boy who fled the scene immediately after the incident. Authorities are actively searching for him and have urged him and his parents to come forward to assist with the investigation.
What is being done to prevent similar incidents?
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of responsible gun ownership and proper education to prevent such accidents among teenagers in Philadelphia.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1500 block of North 17th Street, North Philadelphia |
| Time | Just before 6 p.m., Thursday, December 11, 2025 |
| Victim’s Age | 14 years old |
| Injuries | Gunshot wound to the abdomen; stable condition |
| Suspect’s Age | 14 years old |
| Number of People Present | Approximately 15 individuals, including teenagers and young adults |
| Evidence Found | Spent shell casing and blood trail on the third floor |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; authorities are searching for the alleged shooter and reviewing surveillance footage |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
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