Third teen shot in same area of Scott Boulevard

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia police say a teenager was shot late Sunday along Scott Boulevard, the third teen to be shot there over the weekend.

Police believe the shootings are connected.

The Columbia Police Department said Monday that a 16-year-old boy was shot late Sunday in the 500 block of South Scott Boulevard but the wound was not life-threatening.

The area is the same as where a 13-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy were shot early Saturday. Those injuries were also not life-threatening.

Police in both cases closed the road after the shooting.

Officers gave the boys first aid in each case while waiting for ambulances to arrive, CPD said in news releases about the incidents.

Officers on Sunday night found several shell casings in the area. CPD said officers are looking for a dark SUV with rust on the passenger side and hood.

Neighbors in the area and Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones said it is concerning such young people are involved in the shootings.

In a statement, Jones said in part, "It is deeply concerning to have young people victimized by violence. Our community is full of good resources to help youth and families and I urge everyone to seek resources, check on those you care about, and intervene when safe."

Several neighbors in the area spoke with ABC 17 News crews, but wished to remain anonymous.

One woman said the recent shootings have made people in the area afraid to allow their children to go outside.

One man in the area said he believes people are moving out of the area as a result of the crime.

A woman just up the road said she was not sure if she wanted to stay in the area. She said she heard gunshots when going to leave her home one night, and hit the ground afraid bullets may have come through her door.

Residents also said the shootings were out of the ordinary for the area. According to the Columbia Police dispatch, those were the only two shots fired incidents on that block in the last year.

Police said the investigations into both shootings are ongoing.