ST. LOUIS — A teenage boy was shot in the thigh Friday in St. Louis' Kingsway West neighborhood.
Officers found the 13-year-old boy with a gunshot wound shortly before 1:15 p.m. in the 5100 block of Northland Avenue.
St. Louis Metro police said the boy and his 18-year-old cousin were "play fighting" when the older teen pointed a loaded handgun at the victim, pulled the trigger and shot him in the thigh.
The younger teen was taken to a local hospital by EMS where he was listed with stable vital signs, and the 18-year-old was taken into custody at the scene of the shooting.
This is a developing story. 5 On Your Side will update information as it is confirmed.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to "stabilize inner-city neighborhoods." One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program.
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership with St. Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.
