A 16-year-old boy was shot Monday afternoon near 116th Lane and W. Encanto Boulevard in Avondale and rushed to a hospital in critical condition after an exchange of gunfire, according to police. The shooter took off in a vehicle before officers arrived, leaving the teen badly wounded just steps from Canyon Breeze Elementary.
The close call near the campus prompted an immediate response. Canyon Breeze Elementary, which sits just off W. Encanto Boulevard, was placed on lockdown while officers worked to secure the area and make sure there was no ongoing threat.
According to a statement from Avondale Police, reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, officers were dispatched at about 3:30 p.m. after a call about shots fired. They arrived to find the teenager suffering from serious injuries. Investigators say the suspect left the scene in a vehicle before officers could get there. The department is not releasing the teen’s name as the investigation moves forward.
Lockdown at Canyon Breeze Elementary
Canyon Breeze Elementary, a K-8 campus at 11675 W. Encanto Blvd., was briefly locked down while officers searched the surrounding neighborhood. Once police determined the suspect was no longer in the immediate area, the school lifted the lockdown and returned to normal operations. The campus website lists its address and contact information for families who may have questions or concerns.
Police Asking for Tips
Avondale police say detectives remained on scene Monday as they worked through evidence and interviewed potential witnesses. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Avondale Police Department non-emergency dispatch at 623-333-7001 or the Crime Tips line at 623-333-7003…