Atwater teen hospitalized after gang-linked shooting

Atwater police are investigating a gang-related shooting Thursday night that resulted in a 16-year-old boy being airlifted to an area hospital.

About 6:30 p.m. Thursday, a silver BMW with two men wearing red bandannas over their faces pulled up near the 1400 block of East Bellevue Road where the victim was walking, Lt. Samuel Joseph reported.

The men in the car asked where the victim was from, then pulled out a revolver and shot the victim at least five times in the stomach and near his hip, police said. The vehicle fled eastbound on Bellevue.

Police found the victim lying on the ground being treated by witnesses. He also may have broken his leg in an attempt to avoid being struck.

Police described the boy’s injuries as life-threatening and he was airlifted to a hospital.

Police said the victim is an active gang member.

The investigation is ongoing, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Atwater police Detective David Brum at 209-357-6394.

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 2:17 PM with the headline "Atwater teen hospitalized after gang-linked shooting."