× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

EAST CHICAGO — A 17-year-old girl remains in serious condition after being shot in the face Thursday, police said.

About 5:40 p.m. Thursday, East Chicago patrol officers were near the intersection of 148th Street and Northcote Avenue when they heard several gunshots ring out nearby, Deputy Chief Jose Rivera said.

ShotSpotter, an electronic detection system in the city, alerted police that 12 shots were fired near Walsh Avenue, where they later discovered a teenage girl lying on the ground. The girl sustained a gunshot wound to her upper left cheek, just below her eye, police said.

A preliminary investigation found the victim was driving north in the 4800 block of Walsh Avenue when she was shot, causing her vehicle to crash into a parked minivan. After being hit, the teen tried to flee and run to a friend's house for help, but she collapsed on the sidewalk, police said.

The 17-year-old was transported to Methodist Hospital Northlake Campus in Gary for her injuries. However, she was later flown to the University of Chicago Medicine hospital in serious condition.

The teen was reported missing from Hammond on Dec. 21, police said.

Currently, detectives are canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and leads.