The 17-year-old is in critical but stable condition with a gunshot wound to his chest in a Brisbane hospital on Thursday.
He was initially dropped off at the Logan Hospital, south of Brisbane, about 1.10am on Wednesday.
Police were initially uncertain where the shooting happened, but believed the shooter knew the boy.
Detectives believe they've now found a home where the attack happened and a dumped car linked to the shooting.
A crime scene was declared at the home on Mark Lane, Waterford West, and roped off Wednesday night, a police spokesperson said on Thursday.
Police later found a car linked to the shooting on Princess St, Marsden.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Brendan Blyth said investigators believe the gunshot wound was inflicted by another person known to the victim.
"A gunshot wound to the chest is extremely dangerous ... I don't believe this is a random incident," he told reporters on Wednesday
"I believe the associates involved in this investigation are known to each other, and I don't believe there's any concern, so they're members of the public."
Police have appealed for any witnesses who were near Mark Lane, Waterford West, or Logan Hospital between 12am and 2am on Wednesday.
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