Two teens, both 13, shot while attempting to steal car: officials

Police say four juveniles, including two 13-year-olds, were in the middle of trying to steal a car when the owner of the vehicle, who is licensed to carry a weapon, got into a shootout with the teens.

Two of the juveniles were injured in the exchange of gunfire.

What we know:

Police received numerous 911 calls Tuesday evening, around 6 p.m., about gunshots and a shooting.

When police arrived, about a block away, they found two teens, both 13, suffering with gunshot wounds, one to the leg and one to the back.

Police then encountered the man who shot them at the scene of the shooting. He told police one of his neighbors phoned him, alerting him that four juveniles were trying to steal his car.

He went outside and confronted the group. One of the four then pulled a gun, police say.

The owner of the vehicle, who officials say is licensed to carry, pulled out his own weapon and fired seven shots.

Two of the teens were hit in the exchange and all four then fled on foot.

Police then found the other two juveniles about two blocks away from the scene. The owner of the vehicle positively identified the two.

The teens were transported to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where they are listed as stable.

What's next:

Officials say all of the teens are being held for further investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Shooting Investigation Group at 215-686-8270 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477). All tips will remain confidential.

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