The parents of a Carson City teen shot in the face during a gang-related shooting are asking their son's friends to come forward and tell investigators the truth.
"We want to know who did it, so we can put this guy in jail and try to save another life," said the step-father of Chris Piche, 16. Piche's parents asked that their name not be released because the family is fearful of retaliation, and they have a 7-year-old daughter at home. "(The shooter) is going to be doing the same thing to somebody else."
Piche remains in critical condition with a bullet lodged in his neck following the 11 p.m. shooting July 17 on August Drive. According to Carson City Sheriff's Detective Dena Lacy, witnesses to the shooting have been evasive about the details, including the victim, who may not recover from his injuries.
She said Piche was among a group of people in a home on August Drive when friends called to report they were being followed by rival gang members. When the group went outside to confront the suspect vehicle, someone inside the car opened fire, striking Piche in the face to the right of his nose.
Lacy said the bullet is sitting too close to an artery to the spine for doctors to operate.
"He is not in good condition," Piche's step-father said. "The doctors don't want to do surgery because if they fail, Chris will die or be paralyzed for life."
The vehicle believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered the following day from a garage on Darrin Court. But the registered owner of the vehicle denied any knowledge of the shooting, as did her husband, said Lacy.
Piche's step-father said his wife is distraught over her oldest child's condition.
"She said, 'If my son dies, that's the end of the world for me,'" he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Lacy at 887-2020 ext. 1408. She said callers can remain anonymous. Secret Witness is also offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
All calls to Secret Witness at 322-4900 remain anonymous.
• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.