Police Investigating Shooting of 17-Year-Old as Targeted Attack

Alexandria Police are considering the March 31 shooting of a 17-year-old to be a targeted attack.

On Tuesday, March 31, the victim was playing basketball with a number of other minors when he was shot in the back by an unknown suspect in the 300 block of Tancil Court in Old Town, according to a police search warrant affidavit.

The shooter was about 45 yards away from the basketball court, and police found seven 9mm cartridge casings on the ground outside a residence where the suspect was hiding.

The incident occurred at around 7:15 p.m. on property administered by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, which gave police security footage of the incident, according to the affidavit.

“The footage also revealed that as the victim was playing basketball, an unknown subject(s) appeared from the northwest corner of the complex,” notes the affidavit. “The subject(s) remained concealed behind a residence. Moments later, a muzzle flash appeared from where the unknown subject was standing. Simultaneously, the victim collapsed to the ground and the unknown subject(s) fled the area.”

The victim was admitted to the hospital in critical condition, and he was later upgraded to stable condition, according to police.

NOTIFICATION :: The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a shots fired / felonious assault in the 300 block of Tancil Court. Expect police activity in the area.

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) April 1, 2020

The victim’s home was also riddled with bullets on Jan. 12, and police recovered 23 9mm shell casings from outside the home. One bullet struck the victim’s bedroom, and he was at home at the time of the incident, according to the affidavit.

The victim is scared of revealing information to the police, and so is his mother. No one has been arrested in connection with either incidents.

“She has refused to have her son interviewed about the April 1, 2020, offense or any connection with the previous shooting and why he may have been targeted,” notes the affidavit.

Staff photo by James Cullum