A 15-year-old boy is dead after he was shot multiple times inside a Hamilton Heights park early Saturday night.
According to reports, the fatal shooting took place just after 6:30 p.m. at at 145th Street and Riverside Drive inside Riverbank State Park, near the basketball courts.
The teen — whose identity has not yet been released — was shot “numerous times,” according to ABC7, and was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside, where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene, and no arrests have been made.
When contacted for additional information, the New York City Police Department directed amNewYork Metro to the New York State Park Police, the agency an NYPD spokesperson said was handling the investigation.
In a statement, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said, “Riverbank State Park is deeply saddened by this senseless and tragic incident — and our staff is fully committed to providing a safe, welcoming and joyful gathering place in the community.”
A spokesperson for the office said Riverbank State Park is stepping up Park Police night patrols in the area, and that Park Police and operations staff will review security measures and “implement any needed changes.” Park Police also say they are assisting the New York State Police investigation.
Park management are also “on alert,” according to the spokesperson, and peer counseling has been made available to park staff.
Update (July 3): This story has been updated to include comment from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
