2 teens shot while eating at Harlem chicken restaurant

Gun violence in NYC

Shootings in New York City have dropped as the NYPD has stepped up firearms-related offenses. But illegal weapons and gun violence continue to be a problem in certain neighborhoods.

NEW YORK - Two teenage boys were hospitalized after a likely gang-related shooting inside a restaurant in Harlem Wednesday night.

The NYPD said the 16-year-old and the 13-year-old were eating at Mama's Fried Chicken on Frederick Douglas Boulevard at about 8:30 p.m. when a dispute broke out and another individual shot the teens.

The 16-year-old was shot in the back and was rushed to Harlem Hospital in stable condition.

The 13-year-old boy was shot in the head and rushed to St. Luke's Hospital in critical but stable condition.

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Teen suspect wanted in boys' shooting

The NYPD believes a teenage boy opened fire on two other teenage boys as they ate at Mama's Fried Chicken restaurant in Harlem.

The shooter, who reportedly had walked by and spotted the teens, was also described as a teenager.

The victims and the shooter were part of rival African crews, and the violence may have been retaliation for another shooting on the block about a week ago, sources told the NY Daily News.

Police were searching for the suspect.

Anyone with information about the shootings should call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) . The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential, cops say.