Peter Newsham

15-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot Near Nationals Park

"We need to let young people know that carrying a firearm is not pretty, it's not cute and people end up dead as a result," D.C.'s police chief said

A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed near Nationals Park Wednesday afternoon, hours before thousands of Nats fans were set to attend a playoffs watch party at the stadium. 

Thomas Johnson was shot and killed near his home in the 1300 block of Half Street SW.

Witnesses said someone chased him and then shot him in a courtyard. They said they heard five shots. Johnson fell to the ground after being shot multiple times. 

First-responders were called at about 1:30 p.m. 

The victim had been targeted, police chief Peter Newsham said. 

"We need to let young people know that carrying a firearm is not pretty, it's not cute and people end up dead as a result," he said. 

The search for a suspect is underway. On Thursday, police distributed a photo of the suspect, who appears to be another young teen. Anyone with information on his identity or whereabouts is asked to contact police. A reward of as much as $50,000 is available. 

Johnson was the ninth juvenile homicide victim in D.C. this year. Six other young people who were 18 or 19 also have been killed. 

Nationals Park is about three blocks east of the scene of the shooting. A watch party for Game 5 of the Nationals' playoff series against the Dodgers was scheduled for Wednesday night. 

Stay with News4 for more details on this developing story.

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