16-year-old shot in head, killed on street in SoHo: NYPD

16-year-old shot and killed in SoHo

Police are investigating after a 16-year-old boy was shot and killed in SoHo on Tuesday afternoon.

NEW YORK - Police are searching for the person who fatally shot a 16-year-old boy in the head in SoHo.

The incident happened around 2 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon near Varick and Spring Streets, a busy area for Manhattan tourists, bustling with shopping, hotels and exhibits.

According to authorities, teens were hanging out in an urban plaza when a fight between two groups of girls broke out.

Investigators think the victim intervened, and at some point, two gunmen showed up on a CitiBike and opened fire, shooting the victim in the back of the head and right leg.

The 16-year-old was rushed to Bellevue Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Neighbors said they were surprised to learn of the deadly shooting.

"We never really have shootings too much. Muggings, yeah, but never shootings, like this," said Thomas Libonati, who lives nearby. "What can you do? Things happen. It's happening rampantly all over the city."

Crime and Public Safety Soho NYPD