Youth Held in Shooting of 6 at S.F. Chinatown Playground

Investigators arrested a teenager Friday in connection with a shooting at a Chinatown playground that wounded six youths and sent dozens of children scrambling for cover, a television station reported.

A 15-year-old boy, described as a secondary suspect, was arrested in the city’s financial district, police said. He was not identified.

Police were still searching for the gunman in the Thursday evening shooting. There was no immediate report of a motive.

“Because of their ages, it appears to be gang-related,” said police Sgt. John Madden.

About 60 children were climbing on brightly colored playground equipment or playing at neighboring tennis and volleyball courts when the shooting occurred just before 7 p.m., witnesses said. Many of the youngsters dived for cover behind equipment.

“I’m amazed more people weren’t hurt. . . . They all disappeared. They all took off for their lives,” said tourist Alex Nosal.

Six youths ranging in age from 13 to 18 were hurt, and five remained hospitalized Friday with wounds in the chest, abdomen or thigh. Two were in serious condition and three were in fair condition, a spokeswoman at San Francisco General Hospital said.

A sixth youth, who suffered a hand wound, walked six blocks to Chinese Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Police and witnesses said the gunman fired as many as 16 shots with a semiautomatic handgun at the entrance to the Chinese Baptist Church playground. The victims, shot at close range, were gathered at the gate.