An apparent drive-by shooting in Troy is now a homicide. The 17-year-old victim died at the hospital Wednesday after being shot in the head on 9th Street. Solomon Syed has the latest details.
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TROY, N.Y. -- Phillip McMillan, 17, was hanging out with friends in front of a home on 9th Street Tuesday when he was shot in the head in an apparent drive-by shooting that startled neighbors.
"There was a crash,” said one local resident. “I looked out, thought it was my van, wasn’t mine, saw him laying on the sidewalk.”
The sound of a crash didn't come from a gunshot, but rather from what authorities believe was the vehicle used in the alleged drive-by, smashing into at least three parked cars as it tried to flee the scene, leaving behind valuable clues as to the make and model.
Police Chief John Tedesco said, “We believe we have located the vehicle that fled from the scene, but that’s still beyond out investigation to be confirmed.”
Police found the dark green Impala just off Oakwood Avenue. Investigators are now combing it for evidence.
Neighbors and police are frustrated by the second gun-related homicide in just the last few weeks.
Chief Tedesco said, “It’s part of the culture of the youth today. Kids, and I call them kids at that age, they have an argument, the first thing they do is they grab a weapon…firearms.”
Local resident Kertice Arnold said, “I wouldn’t know what the situation is, but whatever it was, it wasn’t called for.”
Police don’t know at this point if McMillan was the target or if the bullet was intended for one of his friends.
Anyone with information is asked to call Troy police.