ST. LOUIS — St. Louis police said a 17-year-old boy was shot Thursday afternoon in St. Louis' LaSalle Park neighborhood.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the shooting happened just before 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the 1000 block of Hickory Street. The teen was shot in the groin.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries.
Just hours later, a 14-year-old boy was shot while walking in the 1000 block of Hickory Street. Multiple rifle-caliber shell casings were found at the scene of both shootings.
As of Friday morning, police said the investigation was ongoing into both incidents. Investigators did not have a definitive indication the incidents were related but were actively looking into the possibility.
This is a developing story. 5 On Your Side will update this story as soon as information becomes available.
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.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
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 the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to de-escalate violent situations within their own communities.