Boy Shot Near Buenaventura Mall

In what Ventura police are calling a case of attempted murder, a 15-year-old boy was shot in the back for no apparent reason Sunday afternoon as he walked from a shopping mall in mid-town Ventura.

The boy was taken to Ventura County Medical Center, where doctors removed shotgun pellets from his back and later listed him in very good condition, Sgt. Bob Velez said.

The youth was walking from the Buenaventura Mall to a nearby house about 4:40 p.m. when an unidentified assailant accosted him near Lemon Grove Street and Armada Drive, the report said. The boy, who police believe has no gang ties, said he did not recognize his assailant.

The two did not exchange words before the assailant pulled a sawed-off shotgun from underneath a trench coat, fired a blast and fled, Velez said. The victim sought help from nearby residents.

Velez reported that police have determined no obvious motive, but are considering several theories, including one that the shooter may have mistaken the victim for someone else.