PIXLEY — A 16-year-old boy was seriously injured Wednesday night when he was struck by gunfire.

Tulare County Sheriff's Department deputies from the Pixley substation were contacted at 6:15 p.m. by local firefighters after the teen was brought to the fire station suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.

The teen was airlifted to a regional trauma center, where he was admitted for observation, the Sheriff's Department reports. The injury was not considered life threatening.

During the investigation, deputies learned that the shooting occurred in the 200 block of South Maple Street in Pixley. Detectives later determined that the victim was sitting in a vehicle when several gunshot were fired in his direction.

Investigation into the shooting is continuing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Detective Larry Comacho at 733-6012 or 1-800-808-0488.

-- Contact Glen Faison at 784-5000, Ext. 1040, or gfaison@portervillerecorder.com.