TEEN GIRL SHOT IN JP
Car crash follows brazen attack
Police are searching for a shooter after a teenage girl in Jamaica Plain sustained injuries that put her in critical condition.
Police responded to the Jackson Square MBTA station yesterday afternoon for reports of a shooting and vehicle crash. The teenager was shot in the upper body, but it is believed she will pull through, said Boston police Commissioner William G. Gross.
“Thank God, she’s expected to survive her injuries,” Gross said at a press conference at the scene.
Immediately after the shots, police say, a Saturn ran a red light at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Centre Street, hitting a Mercedes-Benz. Gross said it is unclear if the vehicle was involved in the shooting or just fled the scene in fear after hearing the shots.
David Nguyen, the driver of the Mercedes, said the occupants in the Saturn — a man and woman in their 20s — told him someone was shooting at them.
“I thought it was just a regular car accident but he was telling me that somebody was shooting him and I called the 911 right away,” said Nguyen. “They said somebody was shooting but I guess my mom always taught me to never panic in these situations so I wasn’t really that nervous.”
The two were taken for questioning by police.
Residents of Jamaica Plain told the Herald the incident represents a rapid decline in their once-peaceful neigh- borhood.
Jamaica Plain resident Carlos Andino was down the street when the shooting occurred. He said he heard the crash and went toward the scene, where he saw the teen laying in the street.
“It didn’t seem like she was moving — that’s why I say I hope she’s OK,” Andino said. “It was a gunshot, so that’s always serious no matter how lightly one thinks that it can be.
“It was a wild scene,” said Andino. “This neighborhood is getting worse by the day it seems. I live down the street, about five blocks down Centre Street, and you feel uneasy walking down toward Jackson Station nowadays.”
The investigation is ongoing. Police did not say whether they have identified a suspect. Gross urged the community to continue to come forward with any information about the shooting.
“We are canvassing the crime scene looking for videos, witnesses and if you can help us every little bit helps,” Gross said. “A lot of people in the neighborhood helping us out.”
Boston has had 47 fatal and 45 nonfatal shootings this year.
“A young woman was shot in broad daylight and we need to say that’s enough,” Gross said.