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18-Year-Old Man Shot In Head At Shissler Recreation Center Basketball Court In Fishtown, Police Say

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There have been at least 316 homicides in Philadelphia this year. The latest gun violence came at a rec center in Fishtown.

Police say an 18-year-old was shot at the Shissler Recreation Center and is currently in critical but stable condition.

"I heard what sounded like fireworks very loud. You can feel it vibrating through the building," Catherine Dawson said.

On Monday, Dawson learned what she heard before she went to bed were gunshots. Those bullets sent an 18-year-old to the hospital, where he is still fighting to survive.

"It's nerve-wracking. I mean, this stuff happens a lot but you never think it's going to happen at someplace you go all the time," Fishtown resident David Suddaby said.

A gunman fired the shots at Shissler Recreational Center on Frankford Avenue and East Berks Street in the city's Fishtown neighborhood around 11 o'clock Sunday night.

The victim was struck three times -- once in the head — on the basketball court.

"If you senselessly pick up a gun and shoot men, women, babies, or families, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, I want to be clear about that," Assistant District Attorney Robert Listenbee said.

During a weekly gun violence update, Listenbee mentioned an 18-year-old and a young woman, also 18, who was shot in a triple shooting and died.

He says the DA's Office is committed to giving $1 million to nonprofit organizations whose mission is anti-violence.

"The DA has been adamant he is not about stepping in after there has been a homicide committed or after there's been a non-fatal shooting. He wants to do everything we can to prevent violence in the city," Listenbee said.

People who live nearby call this recreational center a community staple.

This weekend's violence leaving some on high alert as it hits a place they never expected.

"Kids should have a safe place to come play no matter who you are, where you're from. I would like my kid to come play basketball and not feel afraid," one woman said.

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation addressed the shooting in a statement to CBS3: "Philadelphia Parks & Recreation works closely with the Philadelphia Police Department to promote safe sites where all residents, but especially young people, feel welcomed and surrounded by positive adult role models. While we cannot comment on ongoing investigations, we will continue working with the 26th District to promote site safety at Shissler Recreation Center."

CBS3's Jasmine Payoute reports.

For a list of gun violence resources in Philadelphia, click here.

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