McKeesport School District Student-Athlete Injured In Act Of 'Senseless Violence'
MCKEESPORT (KDKA) -- A McKeesport High School football player is recovering after he was shot in the neck.
The victim was riding with another teenager near Ohio Street when someone shot into the vehicle, the victim's mother told KDKA.
Police identified the victim as Carlitos Napper, who was celebrating his 18th birthday with a friend at 12:35 a.m. on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old senior was treated at UPMC Presbyterian and sent home with the bullet still lodged in his neck, between his shoulder blades.
His mother said doctors are afraid to remove the bullet, fearing it could cause serious damage.
She said the bullet was 1 inch from leaving him paralyzed.
Napper was expected to start at defensive back in Friday's football game.
He is recovering at home from his non-life-threatening injuries, and the McKeesport Police Department is investigating.
A statement from the McKeesport Area School District reads: "We are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took place overnight. We have been notified that one of our student athletes was the victim. Out of respect for the family, we will not share additional details at this time. We are hopeful that he will make a speedy recovery. Our District takes a proactive approach, in order to maintain the highest level of safety and security, for all students and staff."
Napper was driven to the hospital by his friend.
