By AMANDA MARTINEZ
When police responded to a shooting that happened Monday at 2:10 p.m. in front of Bob’s Liquor and Grocery at 26th and Harrison, also known as Broasters Chicken, they found a 17 year-old victim inside the store.
But according to a store worker and neighbors who would only talk on the condition that their names were left out of any article, the same bullet that hit the 17-year-old also hit the arm of a 15-year-old who fled the scene.
Neighbors say the two victims were residents of the Bernal Dwellings housing projects located directly across the street from the store.
Police report that a 17 year-old teenager was standing in the doorway of the grocery store when a car pulled up, a passenger exited and shot at the victim.
But store workers said that while the 17 year-old victim ran into the store for protection, the other victim ran away. As soon as the shooter got back into the passenger seat of the car, the female driver wasted no time and sped away.
A day later, inside the grocery store it was business as usual as residents from the projects and surrounding area came in for last minute drinks, ice or snacks. Those who talked to reporters doubted anything would be solved and gave a general sense of feeling abandoned by the police.
Friends of the older victim said he is suffering from internal bleeding after the bullet pierced through his pelvis. Police confirmed that he is still in the hospital and said he is expected to survive.
The condition of the 15-year old boy is unknown. Neighbors declined to identify him, but said they are not surprised that he ran before the cops came.
Police have not identified the suspects or a motive and the shooting remains under investigation but residents said its unlikely to be solved as witnesses rarely talk to police.
“I have seen youth harassed and wrongfully accused by police,” said one community member who grew up in the projects.
“This would just be an opportunity for them (cops) to accuse him of being a gang member or drug dealer.”
Another women who has lived in the projects since its redevelopment in 2001 said most don’t bother calling the cops when there is trouble so much of the crime that occurs goes unreported.
Some neighbors voiced frustrations about feeling abandoned by the cops. “My car still has a bullet in it,” said one resident pointing to his white SUV parked on the side of the store.
He was almost hit by a stray bullet a year earlier while sitting in his parked car. He said the cops were supposed to take the bullets as part of the investigation but never did.
Remnants from a fatal shooting that took place two years ago remain outside the liquor store. “RIP David” scrawled on pictures near deflated balloons and Happy Fathers Day 2009 cards remain taped to a tree.
As young children ran by on the sidewalk they screamed, “Its open again,” before running across to Garfield Park where a sign near the entrance read, “You gotta love life, ya dig.”
the first photo is quite possibly one of my favorites at ML
Excellent article Amanda. People tend to blame apathetic witnesses for not calling the police, but your piece shows the distrust between the community and cops runs much deeper than mere apathy.
Thanks for the great article. You took the time to go down and talk to the folks there. Nobody else is willing to do that. I adore Mission Local!