RANKIN, Pa. — Two teenage boys were shot in Rankin Saturday afternoon.
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According to Allegheny County police, 911 was notified of a shooting in the 300 block of Fourth Avenue at 1:49 p.m.
First responders arrived to find the two teens, who’d been shot multiple times.
They were taken to an area hospital and are in stable condition.
Preliminary information shows four unknown, masked males approached the teens and started shooting, police say.
The suspects reportedly fled toward Third Avenue.
Police tell Channel 11 that the shooting started in the street and then moved toward a nearby church. One of the victims reportedly ran to the church’s steps seeking help.
Three vehicles were also struck by gunfire.
Anyone with information is asked to call the County Police Tip Line 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
Rankin Mayor Joelisa McDonald posted this statement on social media following the shooting:
“My heart goes out to the two young people injured today and to their families.
“Like many of you, I am heartbroken and tired of seeing violence impact our community, especially our young people. They deserve better than this, and we must continue working together to build the kind of community they deserve.
“Please keep the victims and their families in your prayers. If you have any information that may help, I encourage you to cooperate with investigators.”
The shooting has left community leaders concerned about youth violence in the borough.
“We got to get on top of this,” said Lee Davis with Greater Valley Community Services.
Davis noted that the shooting comes after the recent closure of the Woodland Hills Impact Center, a facility that served local youth.
“We just talked about the closing of the center this week, and then we have this happen. Two young Black males who’ve been shot, who are usually in the center at this time,” Davis said.
Channel 11 previously reported on the sudden closure of the center.
Rankin Borough Council President Glenn Ford said losing the facility means fewer positive options for young people.
“With the center not being here, it allows room for negativity to grow in our community,” Ford said.
Davis said violence prevention teams have been working to help young people resolve conflicts before they escalate.
“It alleviates the stress of not only the families in this area but for our violence prevention team that’s working hard to bring these kids together to stop some of these beefs and issues that they’re going through,” he said.
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