Radazz Hearns, 14, was shot five times in the right leg, once in the left leg, and once in the pelvis where a bullet is lodged. The teen is in stable condition at the Capital Health Regional Medical center in Trenton, according to Anyan.
"He's lucky to be alive," said attorney Samuel A. Anyan Jr.. "We'll be seeking justice. This appears to be an unjustified shooting."
Unarmed teen shot 7 times by New Jersey police while running away. #RadazzHearns pic.twitter.com/FKBn1OUYYH
— Joel Franco (@OfficialJoelF) August 14, 2015
On Aug. 7, two state troopers and a Mercer County Sherriff’s officer were responding to reports of shots fired at the Prospect Village Apartments in Trenton when they saw three males walking along Louise Lane. The officers said they got out of their vehicle to question the group before the 14-year-old ran off.
Witnesses say they saw the teen reach for his waistband before one of the troopers and the sheriff’s officer opened fire, according to the office of the Attorney General which is investigating the shooting.
#RadazzHearns #WhyTheyShootMe Radazz is the kid in the middle. I am so glad he's alive. pic.twitter.com/36e0dCi2IE
— Bombalurina (@grammercie) August 15, 2015
A.22-caliber handgun was recovered underneath a car in nearby Calhoun St. 12 hours after the shooting.
Witness Rhonda Tirado, who was not questioned by police about the shooting, said she was sitting outside her home when she saw officers get out of an unmarked, grey minivan to question three teens across the street before Hearns ran. She said she didn’t see the teen carrying a gun, but saw him reach for his waist to keep his red sweat pants from falling down.
Peter Aseltine, a spokesperson for the state Attorney General’s office, said he would like to talk to Tirado or any other witness to the incident.
Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson is urging his city’s residents to avoid speculation about the case and to remain patient as the investigation unfolds.