St. ALBANS, Queens (WABC) — A 16-year-old girl was critically injured after she was shot while sitting in a car in Queens, police said. She was apparently an innocent bystander.
Authorities say the shooter is still on the run.
The shooting happened Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. on Lucas Street near 121st Avenue.
The teenager, later identified as Claudia Quaatey, was shot in the head while sitting in a car outside PS 015 Jackie Robinson, authorities said.
The victim was rushed to Jamaica Hospital and his father said he was brain dead.
The Hyundai SUV he was in was left with a bullet hole in the window
Police tell Eyewitness News he does not appear to have been the intended target and has no criminal record.
Officials believe she was likely caught in the crossfire between two groups shooting at each other.
A neighbor said the playground outside PS 15 was full of children and adults enjoying the warm evening when someone started shooting.
It’s the kind of violence residents said they haven’t seen in decades.
“I’m a little surprised that this happened, especially near a school, but then I’m thankful that it happened after school hours,” said Steve Fields.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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