NYC shooting injures two teen boys, 14 and 15, in East Harlem

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Charges dropped against New York City bodega worker

Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams reports from New York, where District Attorney Alvin Bragg has dropped charges against bodega worker Jose Alba after he stabbed a would-be attacker in alleged act of self-defense.

Two teenage boys were shot Tuesday in New York City as officials implored residents to help authorities combat the gun violence plaguing the city. 

The boys, ages 14 and 15, went inside a deli in East Harlem around 4:22 p.m. before leaving. As they were walking toward 128th Street and Park Avenue, a male on the corner opened fire, the New York Police Department said. 

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A view of an East Harlem street near where two teenage boys were shot Tuesday. One was struck in the head and was in serious condition, officials said.  (Fox New York )

As the boys fled, the 14-year-old was struck in the head as he was on a push scooter and was in "very, very serious condition," Jeffrey Maddrey, NYPD chief of patrol, told reporters at the scene. The other teen was shot in the left leg. His wounds are believed to be non-life threatening. 

Both were taken to a local hospital. 

"We need your help," Maddrey said as he pleaded with residents to help find the shooter. "Our children. Our families, members of this community cannot go through this gun violence. They shouldn't have to. No one in New York should have to."

Investigators believe the teens were targeted and a description of the shooter was not disclosed. 

"This is terrible," Maddrey said. "This is the best city in the world. We shouldn't be scared to walk out in our streets in broad daylight in the middle of the afternoon."

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