Juvenile dies in South Bend shooting

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — Police were called to the scene in the 500 block of E. Victoria Street around 5:45 p.m. Friday and said they found a young man suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was taken to hospital where he later died.

Police have not released the victim's age or name and an investigation is ongoing, leaving neighbors shaken.

The deadly shooting took place just blocks from Riley High School and people who live nearby say it hits too close to home.

Julia Coffee lives just down the street from where the shooting happened.

She was in her garden when she said it all happened.

“I heard a gunshot, I think, and then I heard someone screaming. And it was pretty upsetting. I went home and called my mom,” Coffee said.

Coffee has lived in the area her entire life and says she is witnessing more and more violence.

“It got progressively worse over the years, but I never imagined anything would be this close,” Coffee said.

She said the victim was someone she saw often.

“It's pretty upsetting considering he was a kid that was running around the street all the time. He was waving at people, doing tricks on his skateboard,” Coffee said.

South Bend Police Communications Director Ashley O'chap says every case of deadly gun violence is a tragedy, but seeing younger victims makes it even more difficult.

“When it's a young victim, it really hits home because school has just let out and you know kids should go out and have fun. They should have fun with their friends, enjoy summer vacation, so When you get news like this, it's really a punch in the gut and it only makes the situation worse,” O'Chap said.

Police say the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP to leave an anonymous tip.