CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- An East Mecklenburg High School student was shot not far from the school Wednesday afternoon.

The student is believed to be in very serious condition.

Police said about 2:30 p.m., the boy was walking with a friend on Conference Drive near Independence Boulevard, less than a block from the school, when someone walked up and shot the teen twice in the stomach. Officers said the shots were unprovoked.

Other students said they believe the gunfire was gang-related.

The victim’s name has not been released.

The gunman is described as a black male, 6 feet tall, 175 pounds with shoulder-length dreadlocks. He was wearing dark baggy pants, a black shirt and a red hat.

Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at (704) 423-TIPS.