NORTH HIGHLANDS, Calif. — A 14-year-old boy was killed in a North Highlands shooting Friday night, officials with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said Saturday.
Just after 9 p.m. Friday, a 911 caller reported a shooting in the 3700 block of Lenore Way, authorities said. The caller reportedly told sheriff's deputies that they heard gunshots and saw a male lying in their front yard.
When deputies got to the scene, they say they found the 14-year-old victim lying on the front lawn of a home suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
While deputies attempted life-saving measures, officials say medics pronounced the teen dead at the scene.
Neighbor Nathan Nelson says he witnessed some of the shooting that night.
"I heard two gunshots, muffled, and it sounded like it was a couple blocks away," he said.
Nelson said first responders arrived to the scene in minutes, racing past his home and his Ring camera.
"I'm speechless. That’s absolutely horrible. Who is playing with guns? And that’s not 'playing' at this point that’s — you’ve murdered someone," said Nelson.
"There’s a lot of cause for concern."
The sheriff’s office says It is unclear what led up to the shooting, but Nelson hopes more is done to stop violence in the area.
"Maybe the Sheriff’s Department can do a gun buyback program in North Highlands and take some guns off the streets," he said.
Sacramento father Justin Gonsalves was saddened to hear the news.
“My heart goes out to the 14-year-old’s family. I’m sorry that that happened. It’s horrible," he said.
Law enforcement is now searching for the suspect in the homicide but do not have information on the suspect's description. Those who may have witnessed the shooting or have related information are asked to call detectives at 916-874-5115.
Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers is also accepting information related to the case at 916-443-4357.
The homicide investigation brought heavy law enforcement presence to Lenore Way and Polk Street, closing down roads Friday night. Shell Street and Jonko Avenue were also affected.
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