ST. PETERSBURG — A teenager was badly wounded in a drive-by shooting Wednesday, according to police, targeted while he stood in his own driveway.
It was Maxwell Curtis Muennich's 18th birthday.
The Lakewood High School student was wounded outside his home at 2121 First St. S. The shooting took place about 5:30 p.m., according to St. Petersburg police, after he exchanged words with his assailant or assailants.
Muennich suffered what police called "extremely critical" injuries and was rushed to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg for treatment.
"Today is his 18th birthday, so it's very unfortunate … ," said St. Petersburg police spokeswoman Yolanda Fernandez. "It hurts more when it's a young person."
Muennich's mother was with her son at the hospital. Police said they did not yet know who shot him, or why.
"We don't have a lot of details right now," Fernandez said. "What it was about, we don't know yet."
Police released little information Wednesday, including how many people may have been involved in the shooting or a description of the vehicle.
Officers roped off an entire block of First Street S as they conducted their investigation. Forensic technicians examined the crime scene as daylight waned. A large blood stain was visible on the driveway.
Editor's note
This story has been updated to reflect the following correction: The victim in Wednesday's drive-by shooting is named Maxwell Curtis Muennich. Police previously released an incorrect name.