A 16-year-old boy is fighting for his life after he and another teenager were shot by a lone gunman in St. John’s on Wednesday evening, in what police are treating as a targeted attack.

The shooting unfolded shortly after 5:30 p.m. on July 1 and has left investigators searching for the person responsible.

According to police, the two teenagers were walking along Armstrong Road when they were approached by a man dressed entirely in black with his face covered. Without warning, the assailant allegedly opened fire, hitting both youths before fleeing the area on foot.

The younger victim suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and remains in critical condition at hospital.

The second victim, a 17-year-old, was shot in both legs. Although his injuries are serious, they are not considered life-threatening, and he remains under medical care.

The brazen attack has sent shockwaves through the community, adding to growing concerns over gun violence involving young people.

Investigators have described the suspect as a slim-built man, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall. No further description has been released, and police have not disclosed a possible motive for the shooting.

Crime scene investigators spent several hours processing the area as detectives interviewed potential witnesses and searched for evidence that could help identify the gunman.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen the incident or who has information that could assist the investigation to come forward. Members of the public can contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or 462-3914, call the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477), or dial 911.

The investigation remains ongoing.