15-year-old boy shot in the head, wounded in Boyle Heights

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 15-year-old boy was shot in the head and wounded early Thursday morning in Boyle Heights, authorities said. Police now believe the shooting was gang-related.

Little information was initially available about the shooting, which took place in the area of Michigan and Pennsylvania avenues.

Officers responded about 2:30 a.m. to a report of shots heard near the intersection, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. They were flagged down by a citizen at the scene who directed them to a nearby RV, where the boy had been sleeping.

There the officers discovered the teenage victim, who was then transported to L.A. County-USC Medical Center and underwent surgery.

Two girls who were in the RV with the victim said they heard him gasping for air in the darkness and realized he has been struck by gunfire.

The boy's mother said she knew her son was involved in gang activity and had pleaded with police for help. She said her son had run away from home eight times before.

Investigators at the scene said a bullet hole was found in the recreational vehicle. No suspects have been identified in the case.