Teen taken into custody following shooting on South Van Buren Street

ALBANY — Officials with the Albany Police Department confirmed Thursday afternoon they are investigating a shooting on South Van Buren Street that resulted in a 16-year-old being injured and another 16-year-old being taken into custody.

Phyllis Banks, a spokeswoman for APD, said the shooting occurred on the 1400 block of South Van Buren at 2:41 p.m. on Thursday.

“The wound is not life-threatening,” Banks said in the initial release of the incident. “The incident is being worked by the Albany (Police Department) Gang Unit. They are currently conducting interviews with witnesses. No one is in custody at this time.”

Later that evening, Banks sent an update stating the gang unit had arrested and charged a 16-year-old male with tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm by a minor.

“He was released to his mother until his arraignment,” she said. “The gang unit has a number of individuals to interview, so their investigation is ongoing.”

Banks said that after receiving a report of shots fired near Monroe Comprehensive High School, officers made contact with the victim, also age 16. He reported that he was walking near the school when he heard the gunshots.

“He began to run then later realized that he had been shot,” she said. “He was struck in the upper right arm.”

A black 2015 Freightliner truck received damage also. Charges of affray, aggravated assault and second-degree criminal damage to property have also been filed. The high school was briefly secured by Dougherty County School System police.