MIAMI (WSVN) - A teenage boy who was shot at an apartment complex in the Liberty City neighborhood of Northwest Miami-Dade is currently on life support, officials said, as police continue to search for the gunman responsible.
Miami-Dade Police confirmed on Saturday that 16-year-old Master Nalton Johnson Jr. remains at Jackson Memorial Hospital and said his medical prognosis is terminal.
Earlier reports Saturday afternoon said the teen had succumbed to his injuries, but that was not the case.
Investigators said the teen was shot at the Lincoln Fields Apartments, in the area of Northwest 64th Street and 20th Avenue, Friday night.
Neighbors and friends said Johnson was heading home and almost made it to his family’s unit at the complex, when someone opened fire, hitting the teen.
A family friend on the scene told 7News that she saw a group of teenagers walking through the neighborhood just before the incident. Not long after, she said, she heard three to five gunshots.
Police and fire rescue units responded to the scene just before 10:30 p.m. Officers found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
Paramedics transported Johnson to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he remains on a life support system.
7News cameras captured paramedics wheeling the victim, who was on a stretcher, inside of the hospital.
Saturday afternoon, a growing memorial comprised of stuffed animals, flowers, loving messages and even a football helmet lay near the spot where Johnson was shot.
Police issued a flyer asking for the community’s help in finding the person who opened fire on Johnson.
Photos sent to 7News by a family friend show Johnson during a happier, simpler time. Loved ones described him as a longtime fan of football and other sports.
Overnight, cowardly gun violence claims another victim in the streets of #Miami. Inexplicably, a 16-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound to the head and is currently in critical condition at Ryder Trauma Center. Prayers and thoughts,alone, won’t help. #SilenceKills #Enough
— Alberto M. Carvalho (@LAUSDSup) January 18, 2020
The Miami-Dade County Public Schools community took to Twitter to express deep hurt and sympathy over the shooting. They also indicated the importance of coming forward with anything that can help detectives.
Police have not provided any details about a possible shooter, as they continue to investigate.
If you have any information on this shooting, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
An earlier edition of this story stated Johnson had died from his injuries. We apologize for the mistake.
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