Chester

Outrage Grips Chester After Teen Shoots Boy, 10, at Community Pool

In the wake of the shooting of a 10-year-old boy at a community pool in Chester Saturday afternoon, outrage over gun violence in the city gripped community members.

"I don't know where people are getting these guns from, but the teenagers are out of control," Duane Lee, who witnessed the shooting, told NBC10's Drew Smith.

Police said the 17-year-old suspected shooter was arrested immediately after the shooting, which happened at Memorial Park, near West 9th and Engle streets, shortly before 1 p.m. The 17-year-old has been charged as an adult in the shooting, authorities said Sunday.

Police said the incident began as an argument between the 17-year-old and a group of three younger kids.

During the argument, police say the three kids began to run away, and the 17-year-old chased after them.

The 17-year-old pulled out a gun and fired at the group, striking the 10-year-old in the stomach, grazing him.

The young victim was treated at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and was expected to be OK.

Shortly after the shooting, several Chester City workers were able to apprehend the suspect until police arrived. He remained in police custody Sunday.

A weapon was found at the scene. Memorial Park was crowded with families at the time of the shooting, but no one else was injured.

Chester Mayor John Linder said 85 illegal guns have been confiscated in the small city so far this year, but gun violence continues to plague the community.

"We have to stop this," Linder said. "You can't shoot up our city and you can't shoot little kids in the park."

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