EAST CHICAGO, IN — A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot inside an East Chicago convenience store Saturday morning, and police are searching for the suspect who fled the scene on foot.

East Chicago Police officers were dispatched around 9:24 a.m. Saturday to Harbor Food Mart, 3830 Guthrie Street, for a report of a male shot inside the business.

When officers arrived, they found a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Medics transported the teen to St. Catherine Hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to East Chicago Police Chief Jose Rivera Jr.

The Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force was notified and responded to assist East Chicago detectives with the investigation.

According to the preliminary investigation, the suspect fled the store on foot immediately following the shooting. Police said the suspect was reportedly wearing a black ski mask and remains at large.

Detectives and members of the Homicide Task Force are working to identify and locate the suspect. Police have not released information regarding a possible motive or the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information regarding the suspect’s identity or whereabouts is urged to contact the East Chicago Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 219-391-8500.

The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.