One teen is dead and another is injured after gunfire erupted outside a Whataburger restaurant in Fort Worth on Friday afternoon, NBC DFW reported.
Police said a 16-year-old boy was killed and a 17-year-old girl was critically wounded.
The incident occurred close to the Fort Worth Independent School District’s R.L. Paschal High School in the 2400 block of West Berry Street.
Although the high school had already dismissed its students for the day, it went into lockdown after the shooting occurred because there were some students and staff still on the premises for after-school activities, a district spokesperson told NBC.
Police Chief Neil Noakes said the violence started due to an argument between groups of high schoolers who knew each other, resulting in a physical altercation that escalated into gun violence.
“This is another example of senseless, tragic violence that never had to happen,” Noakes said to the media. “Unfortunately, it involved some very young people right here in the city of Fort Worth … We’re going to do anything possible to bring those responsible to justice.”
The 16-year-old victim was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The 17-year-old was likewise transported to a local hospital; the extent of her injuries is not known other than she was in critical condition. Their names were not released.
Noakes said that police have not yet determined a description of the gunman and asked the public for help finding them.
Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at 817-392-4330.
Even as Noakes pledged to lower Fort Worth crime by 10% in 2023 back in April of last year, nearby Dallas has continued to see a surge in crime, with murder in some council districts, such as Adam Bazaldua’s District 7, an area of concern.
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