14-Year-Old Shot in Leg Near Rufus King Park, Queens

On Saturday afternoon, just before 5 p.m., officers responded to a report of gunfire at the intersection of 153rd Street and Jamaica Avenue, a stone’s throw from Rufus King Park in Jamaica, Queens. The call came in at about 4:52 p.m., and units were on the scene within minutes.

When they arrived, they found a 14‑year‑old boy lying on the sidewalk with a bullet wound to his leg. Paramedics quickly tended to the wound and rushed the teenager to Jamaica Hospital, where doctors said he was in stable condition.

According to the NYPD, the youngster appears to have been the intended target of the shooter, although the exact motive remains unclear. The suspect was described as wearing all black and fled the area on foot in an unknown direction shortly after the shot was fired.

As of now, no arrests have been made. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood, reviewing surveillance footage, and urging anyone who saw the incident or recognizes the description to come forward.

Community members expressed concern after the shooting, noting that the park and surrounding streets are usually bustling with families and cyclists. “It’s scary when something like this happens right outside a place where kids play,” said a local resident who asked to remain anonymous.

The police department reiterated its commitment to public safety and asked residents to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activity promptly.