15-year-old boy dies after drive-by shooting in Phoenix

PHOENIX — A drive-by shooting in midtown Phoenix on Friday resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy and caused injuries to a juvenile girl, authorities said.

Officers responded to the area of Thomas Road and First Avenue just before 5 p.m. to multiple calls of a shooting, the Phoenix Police Department said in a press release.

Police found the teenage boy, Isaac Perez Grado, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and he was taken to a hospital in critical condition. He later died of his injuries.

A young girl was also found with a gunshot wound and was transported to a hospital, where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

Multiple businesses were hit by gunfire, but no other community members were reported injured.

Detectives investigated the scene which spanned approximately four city blocks, leading to a heavy police presence visible from the Valley Metro light rail stop on Central Avenue ahead of First Friday.

Early information obtained by detectives indicated the male victim was in a vehicle with other occupants when gunshots were fired from another vehicle driving past.

The young girl was walking in the area with a family member when she was struck.

The suspect vehicle drove away before police responded.

An investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151 or, to remain anonymous, Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish.

Follow @KTAR923