Neighbors in shock after 13-year-old boy shot on the way to school in Queens
CAMBRIA HEIGHTS, Queens (WABC) -- Police continue to search for the gunman who shot a 13-year-old boy in the head in the parking lot of a Dunkin' Donuts in Queens.
Sanjay Samuel, 13, was on his way to school Monday morning when someone approached and shot him in the head, according to officials. Police believe the young teen was the intended target.
Surveillance video shows a boy running into a deli, appearing to tell other kids what happened. They come outside, stunned and upset.
Detectives also recovered surveillance video that indicates the shooting was targeted. Police say the suspect came up to the victim and his friends on a scooter, and after words were exchanged, he fired one shot, striking the victim in the head.
Surveillance video of the shooting has not been released yet.
Two police officers now stand guard outside of the Dunkin' Donuts in Cambria Heights
"We don't know where the disconnect is. And especially even in our community, we are really surprised that something like this would happen. We stand with the family and whatever they need us to do this block this community is there for them," said Valerie Small, the block vice president.
Neighbors are promising support while detectives search for the shooter and society wrings its hands over youngsters settling grievances with guns.
Samuel had just started high school and was hoping to try out for the basketball team. Now, he is on life support.
"My son went to school with his sister in elementary school. So that's my connection to the family. It's just really heartbreaking," said neighbor Shantelle Benton.
"We see the family and the children. And they're very well respected. They do not bother anyone. This is a son that you like to have. Okay? It's beyond race, it is beyond ethnicity. This is a son that you will call your son," Small said.
As detectives race to make an arrest, Samuel's traumatized family is left praying for a miracle.
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
