ST. LOUIS - Police are investigating after a 14-year-old boy was found shot Friday near Ivory Perry Park in St. Louis.

Detectives with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are trying to piece together what led up to the violent shooting.

As of Friday afternoon, the victim is hospitalized with critical injuries. Additional details are limited at this time.

Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard is speaking out after Friday's shooting as community leaders express hope for an end to violence.

"As a mother of a 14-year-old and a mother of a gunshot victim, now survivor, this really hits home," said Clark Hubbard. "

Police say the 14-year-old was critically injured from gunfire. Officers responded to the victim at Ivory Perry Park near Belt and Clemens avenues around 10:30 a.m. Friday.

"They have been doing some great things here at this park," said Clark Hubbard. "It's one of the hearts of the West End [neighborhood]. It's had its challenges."

Lindon Chillers lives across the street and heard the gunfire. He recalls a driver chasing a boy into a park toward a basketball court before the gunfire.

"I see a little guy running across the street as fast as he could go, and about five seconds later, I saw a black SUV chasing him all the way down."

Clark Hubbard says the park has security cameras, including skycop cameras that lead directly to SLMPD's real-time crime center. She hopes the person responsible for the shooting will be held accountable.

"This park is a treasure," she said. "To hear something like this happened in the park here during the holiday season is heartbreaking. I would start with prayers for the family, especially those who have been close to their shoes. We need the community to respond; we have to stop this violence."

Anyone with relevant information in this case is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).