TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa police said a teenager was hurt after a shooting at an apartment complex on Tuesday evening.
Police said three people exchanged gunfire at the Columbus Court Apartments after an argument.
The teen, who was standing in the doorway of his apartment, was struck by one of the rounds. Tampa police said the boy is 14 years old.
“It’s worrisome to me because I have a 14-year-old son,” said Tampa resident, Earlishia Oates.
He was taken to an area hospital and treated for his injuries. On Wednesday morning, Tampa police said the teenager was in stable condition.
Police did not give any information about a suspect or suspects in the case. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
West Tampa Pastor Alan Harris says local leaders must unite to find ways to end the violence.
“Whether that’s having classes for individuals whether that’s providing job training for individuals, we need to not only offer hope with our mouths but also with our actions,” said Pastor Harris, Beluah Baptist Institutional Church.
Before pulling a trigger, Harris says people should consider how the decision will impact others.
“Think about the consequences that are going to come your way, think about the various lives that are going to be affected, not only the lives of the victim, think about their friends, think about their families,” Harris said.
Tampa resident Earlishia Oates says stories of innocent people getting caught in crossfire are becoming too common.
“You don’t have to pull out a gun, fighting is not the solution, shooting each other is not the solution,” Oates said.