An Edinburg teenager had surgery Monday afternoon to stop internal bleeding following a drive-by shooting outside his home.
Many who live in the neighborhood along San Luis Street said they have been fearful ever since the crime early Monday morning.
16-year-old Johnathan Juarez, an Edinburg High School student, was rushed to the hospital around 1 am.
He was placed in the Intensive Care Unit and was listed in critical but stable condition, according to Lieutenant Oscar Trevino with the Edinburg Police Department.
Pellet holes from a shotgun blast could be seen near the front door, on a porch post and even a flower pot at the home targeted by the shooter.
A woman who lived next door spoke to Action 4 News about the so-called "gang-related" attack.
"[I'm] Scared... I'm still shaking," she said.
She did not want her name released.
Her family is good friends with the victim.
"He was here at my house... He spent the night the day before," she said through a crack in the door.
She did not know why Juarez was shot.
His cousin, who also spoke to Action 4 News under the condition of anonymity, said Juarez was ambushed.
"They fu*ked up," he said. "Cause they hit the wrong person."
He said Juarez went outside after his dog suspiciously started to bark.
That's when an unknown suspect, who police believe was behind the wheel of a gray-colored vehicle, opened fire.
Juarez was shot in the upper body and arms, according to his relative at the scene.
"It just happened out of no where," he said.
Police called the shooting "gang-related" because Juarez is apparently known to associate with people in gangs.
He also reportedly lives in a home with at least one known gang member, according to police.
Lt. Trevino could not confirm if the victim was an actual gang member.
Officers stepped up patrol in the neighborhood following the shooting.
Juarez's neighbor said she was taking her own precautions.
"I'm not even going out no more," she said.
No suspects have been named in the case as of Monday evening.
Anyone with information should contact Edinburg P.D.'s Crime Stoppers line at (956) 383-8477
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