A 14-year-old boy was found Wednesday afternoon with at least one stab wound to the chest in a parking lot just off Hillside Avenue near 181st Street in Queens, according to police.
The teen was transported by EMS to Cohen Children's Medical Center for treatment and is expected to survive.
Detectives say surveillance video captured another teen fleeing the scene, though an investigation remains ongoing and no arrests have been made.
The incident came a day after another 14-year-old boy was was shot in the ankle Tuesday afternoon outside Tottenville High School on Staten Island.
Brandon Reeves, also 14, told NY1 he’s shocked after hearing another teen his own age was stabbed.
“I’m really lost for words because there’s a lot of violence going on with teenagers and it’s just crazy,” Reeves said.
The violent incidents have raised concerns among some teens like Reeves, who says he sees violence happening even in his middle school.
“I was at school today and there was an incident that a 14-year-old got pepper-sprayed,” Reeves said.
Given the recent string of high-profile shootings, stabbings and other violent acts, many are left searching for answers.
Crisis Management System workers with Lifecamp Inc. — a violence prevention and intervention organization based in Jamaica, Queens — say groups like theirs need help to address the many issues teens face in the community.
“Everybody has got to come together and help what’s going on out here, it can’t just be selected few,” said Nacy Mclary, the deputy chief of streets for Lifecamp.
The group says it’s been getting more requests these days from schools seeking their services for early intervention.
“Just being a listening ear, giving sound advice, I think that a lot of times you have to understand that trauma is something that is real and a lot of them are just acting out because they’re traumatized,” said Kat W., a hospital responder supervisor for Lifecamp Inc. “They’re dealing with trauma and it’s not just trauma of their own.”
Meanwhile, for teens like Reeves, he said he’s sticking with his mother’s advice.
“My mom says I’m supposed to be alert so if there’s anything, go to the principal,” Reeves said.
At this time, he’s just not hopeful that things will improve.
“Teenagers are probably going to be inspired by this act and they’re probably going to commit more,” Reeves said.