14-year-old boy shot while walking home in West Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A 14-year-old boy is recovering after being shot while walking home in West Philadelphia, according to police.

It happened just before 11 p.m. on Tuesday in the 5600 block of Race Street.

When police arrived, they found the boy lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the back.

According to the preliminary investigation, police say the victim encountered an unknown man, who allegedly pulled out a firearm, prompting the victim to run. The suspect then fired one shot, striking the teen in the back.

The victim was taken to CHOP, where he is listed in stable condition.

Investigators recovered one shell casing at the intersection.

The motive for the shooting is unknown at this time, but police did say they are looking for the suspect.

"We're getting information from police real-time crime cameras that the shooter is described as a male, wearing a dark or black hooded sweatshirt with a white logo on the front. Possibly some sort of track pants that he's wearing that are dark colored, and black and white sneakers. He fled on foot in an unknown direction," said Chief Inspector Scott Small with the Philadelphia Police Department.

Police are checking surveillance cameras in the area.

As of Tuesday, there had been 26 juvenile shooting victims in Philadelphia so far this year, versus 30 during the same period last year. That's down around 13%.

For context, shooting victims of all ages are down more than 18% so far this year.