15-Year-Old Boy Attacked and Stabbed by Group of 13 Teens in Queens, Police Say

A normally calm Queens neighborhood turned into a crime scene this week after a violent attack left a 15-year-old boy critically injured. The assault took place around 2:15 p.m. near 160th Street and Hillside Avenue in the Jamaica Hills area, police said.

According to investigators, the boy was suddenly surrounded by a group of 13 teenagers who began punching and kicking him before one of them pulled a knife and stabbed him several times. Witnesses reported seeing the group scatter in different directions moments after the stabbing, leaving the young victim bleeding on the sidewalk.

Emergency crews arrived within minutes and rushed the teen to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.

Robbery and Violence Combined

Authorities confirmed that the attackers also stole the victim’s designer sneakers, worth several hundred dollars, before fleeing. Police believe the motive was robbery that escalated into extreme violence.

Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby stores and residential buildings in hopes of identifying the suspects. Officers said most of the teens were wearing dark clothing and hooded sweatshirts, making them difficult to identify in initial footage.

Community Left in Fear and Anger

The assault has shaken residents of Jamaica Hills, many of whom describe their neighborhood as typically peaceful. Parents and school officials expressed deep concern about the rise in youth-related violence and the brazenness of attacks happening in broad daylight.

“It’s terrifying that something like this could happen right after school hours,” said one local resident. “There were people walking, cars driving by — and still, this group acted without fear.”

Local leaders are calling for increased police patrols and community engagement programs aimed at preventing youth gang involvement and violent behavior.

Police Investigation Underway

Detectives with the NYPD’s 103rd Precinct are leading the investigation. They have not yet made any arrests but are pursuing multiple leads. Officials say they’re confident that video evidence and eyewitness accounts will help identify those responsible.

Authorities are asking anyone with home security cameras or cellphone footage from the area between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the day of the attack to come forward.

“We’re not just looking for justice for this young man,” an NYPD spokesperson said. “We’re trying to stop this kind of group violence from becoming a trend.”

Parents and Schools on High Alert

Following the incident, nearby schools sent out safety alerts to parents, urging caution during after-school hours. Community watch groups are organizing neighborhood meetings to discuss ways to protect students walking to and from class.

Experts say the case underscores a troubling pattern of teen group assaults linked to robbery and social media challenges, warning that peer pressure and online clout can sometimes drive dangerous behavior.

Broader Issue of Youth Violence

This incident adds to a growing number of teen-on-teen attacks across New York City this year. Police data show an uptick in juvenile assaults and group-related violence, often fueled by disputes or attempts to steal luxury clothing or footwear.

Officials emphasize that community-based mentoring programs, increased youth engagement, and stronger school partnerships are essential to reversing the trend.

A 15-year-old boy’s ordinary afternoon turned into a fight for survival — a chilling reminder of how fast youth violence can spiral out of control. While police continue to search for the 13 suspects, residents of Queens are left demanding answers, accountability, and above all, safety.

The city now faces a familiar question: how can communities protect their children when even daylight streets are no longer safe?