Police say three people shot while sitting in a car outside of an apartment building in Boston on Monday were targeted.

Academy Terrace off Columbus Avenue in Roxbury was roped off Monday afternoon after two women and a man were hit by gunfire.

"This is a sad day for all of us, the violence that's going on, everywhere in Boston, particularly what happened today. I am devastated, I know the young guy that got shot," a resident said.

Police say a man was shot in the neck and a woman was shot in the upper body; both are in critical condition. Another woman was grazed in the leg. All of the victims are in their late teens and early 20s.

Investigators are searching for a white pickup truck with a Hispanic driver who was wearing cargo shorts and a white tank top.

"The young men in this area - Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan - need help, and it's going to take all hands on deck. It's not something that one person can do, but we're going to have to address violence prevention," another resident said.

The shooting took place outside one of the apartment buildings at Academy Homes. Residents say they'll have an emergency meeting Monday night to discuss the violence.

Police are not sure what the motive of the crime may be. The triple shooting comes as communities prepare for National Night Out.

"National Night Out is all about keeping the neighborhoods safe, and the communities come together. This is a lousy way to kick it off," Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said. "Events like this should get people mobilized to say, 'Enough is enough.'"

A man at the scene did have chest pains and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Police say he is the father of one or more of the victims.