15-year-old shooting suspect behind bars - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

A 15-year-old is now behind bars after police say he shot another teen following a party over the weekend. The 16-year-old victim is still recovering from multiple gunshot wounds.     

Police say the victim was walking home on Decatur Street when he was shot. Police are doing everything they can to prevent a tragedy like this. That includes urging parents to ask all the right questions before letting their kids attend any party.

Police say the 16-year-old was coming home from a teen party on the 1300 block of Hull street when he was shot multiple times. 

"They need to have a venue to have fun but safety is paramount for them to do that," said Deputy Chief English. 

Deputy Chief English says the victim and the suspect quote "exchanged words" before the shooting. Both attended the party. Fathy Elkattan who owns a business a couple stores down says hundreds of young people lined the sidewalks prior to the shooting.  

"I know this building can only take 50 - maybe less or maybe more," Elkattan said. "The city officials should have to know better than anybody else - as long as it's legal so they can operate a decent business you know?" 

Police say the business will remain on their radar. In the meantime, they encourage parents to do their part when dropping their children off at parties. Ask questions including: Who's hosting the event, who is going, how old are the people attending, what adults are in charge, and is there any security? 

"It's just important that everybody is on board with these type of events because they're going to continue to happen in the city and it's paramount to us to make it as safe as possible," Deputy Chief English noted.  

Police can't say what type of security measures were in place; however, the building owner says teen parties aren't the problem. He tells me his tenant was holding a party for his niece. Young people from the neighborhood, who weren't invited, crashed the event. 

"When something like this occurs, it not only affects that particular establishment - it affects that entire neighborhood," Deputy Chief English added.  

The 16-year-old who was shot is still in the hospital recovering. The 15-year-old is being held in the Chesterfield County Juvenile Detention Center. He's charged with attempted murder and  aggravated malicious wounding.  

Parents with questions or concerns regarding a party in the city may call the Community Care Unit at: 646-4069

Copyright 2013 WWBT NBC12.  All rights reserved.