ST. LOUIS • A 12-year-old boy told police he was walking near a family member's house when someone opened fire on him, striking him in the mouth Sunday.

The victim said the shooter or shooters were either on foot or in a vehicle when they fired shots in the 2600 block of Caroline Street, near Jefferson and Park avenues in a neighborhood known as The Gate District.

The boy ran to a family member's house for help after the shooting, about 5:15 p.m.

The boy was conscious and breathing when he was taken to a hospital, police said, and was listed in critical but stable condition.