A late-night gathering in Avondale turned violent early Friday when a 14-year-old boy was shot near Avondale Boulevard and Broadway Road and rushed to a hospital. Police say the teen is in stable condition and expected to survive, and his 15-year-old friend is now headed to jail.
Avondale officers say they are not looking for any additional suspects and do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. Investigators have not yet said what led up to the gunfire.
Police: officers arrived just before 1 a.m.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, officers were called to a home just before 1 a.m. Friday. When they arrived, they found the 14-year-old wounded and got him to a hospital, where he is expected to pull through.
FOX 10 Phoenix reports that a 15-year-old friend of the victim was taken into custody at the scene and will be booked into jail. Police have not said what specific charges the teen could face.
Context: other recent youth-involved shootings
This case lands on a growing list of youth-involved shootings in the West Valley this year. In April, a 15-year-old was shot during a pool party in Avondale, according to ABC15 Arizona.
Police agencies across the Valley have said many of these investigations are still active and that they are watching trends in youth violence as part of broader public-safety efforts.
How to pass along tips
Per the Avondale Police Department, anyone with information about the shooting can call the department’s crime‑tips line at 623-333-7003 or non-emergency dispatch at 623-333-7001. For immediate threats, residents are urged to call 9-1-1 while investigators continue to sort out what happened.
What officials say they still don't know
Police have not released the names of either teen involved and have not confirmed what formal charges will be filed as the investigation unfolds, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
Authorities say more details will be released as they become available. We will update this story as officials provide additional information.
