16-year-old shot multiple times in Aurora

Aurora police are searching for clues in a shooting that seriously injured a 16-year-old boy who was walking with a friend on the city's near east side.

The boy was taken Thursday night to an Aurora hospital where he underwent surgery for what authorities called serious but apparently nonlife-threatening gunshot wounds. Police said it doesn't appear either the boy or his friend are involved in gang activity.

Police said they responded about 8:20 p.m. to reports that someone had been hit by gunfire near Farnsworth and Dearborn avenues. They arrived to find the boy with multiple gunshot wounds.

The boy and his 16-year-old friend were walking north on Farnsworth when two males wearing ski masks approached them, police said. One of the suspects made a gang statement, police said, and then opened fire with a handgun.

The victim was hit several times, police said. More than one bullet also went through the clothing of the other teen, but he escaped injury. The suspects then ran west on Dearborn.

The suspects are described as Hispanics, about 17 to 20 years old and standing about 5 feet 9 inches. Police said the men had medium builds and were wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Aurora police at (630) 256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000. Callers to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to any arrests.

Tips also can be submitted through the Aurora Police Department's free app available through iTunes, the Android Market, or Amazon App Store. Simply search for “My Police Department,” find the Aurora police, and download.