An investigation is underway after a 12-year-old boy was shot and killed Friday at a park in Compton, authorities said.
Police responded to the shooting just before 4 p.m. at Oleandor Park in 404 West Figueroa Street.
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WATCH HEREA person wearing all black and a ski mask walked up to the park and shot the young boy before fleeing on foot, according to police.
The 12-year-old was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. It's unclear if the shooting was targeted.
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SIGN UP Details on what led up to the shooting were not immediately available.
The shooting occurred during the park's busier hours. Neighbors tell NBC4 they heard several shots ring out.
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"Next thing you know we hear five gunshots," said Graidys Vasquez. "We had went outside and seen the poor kid outside."
People in the area tried to help the young boy before authorities arrived. Neighbors say they've seen an uptick in violence in their community.
"My mom doesn’t normally let us go outside because of situations that have been happening recently," said Vasquez. "Recently, you know, how gunshots have been happening it kind of scares me, I don’t even want to go to sleep just thinking about it."
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
