RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)--Police sources tell CBS 6 that a 16-year-old victim will live the rest of his life in a wheel chair after being shot multiple times.
The violence erupted after a number of teens attended a party, which is something Richmond Police have dealt with before. Now they want parents to step in.
The crime tape and blue lights came after the party late Saturday night. Richmond police have now arrested a 15-year-old in connection with the shooting and maiming of that 16-year-old boy.
“It was a party for teens. The teenage victim was walking home and there was an exchange of words,” said Dep. Chief Eric English. “Now there's an arrest after the 15-year-old shot our victim."
The party was held at a building at 13th and Hull streets and police believe word spread fast. An open invitation came "through social media and Twitter,” said English. “You do have teens come from all over and that's what we had."
At Skate Land on Hull Street in the city, they do what they have to, to avoid that problem. “We try to give the kids a safe place to come to but we keep the school nights separate, because children tend to get territorial," said Melissa Lennon, a coach at Skate Land.
The territorial issue has been a problem with several teen parties in recent years and so police have gone as far as to sit down with promoters and ask tough questions about the venues and their security plans. Now they want parents to give a refresher course to their teens.
"Ask them who's in attendance, who's promoting, is it open to everybody, will parents be there or are police providing security?” said English. “All of those questions will help parents make a better judgment call."
"You know time flies quickly and they think they know everything,” said mom April Jacobson. “So you make it your interest to see where they are going, and if you can prevent them from going."
Parents, if your teen is going to a party held in the city, police say call 646-4069 to find out if they have information about the venue or party plans. They're also asking anyone else that may have information about the Decatur Street shooting-to call Crimestoppers at (804) 780-1000.
