JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 2-year-old boy was struck in the leg by gunfire when multiple shots were fired outside his home Sunday night, the boy’s family told News4JAX.
The toddler was taken to a hospital where he was last listed in critical but stable condition, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Officers were called to Mount Herman Street, north of West 8th Street, just after 9 p.m. after ShotSpotter registered gunfire in the area, police said.
When they arrived, they found out the 2-year-old had been hit by a bullet that was fired from outside his home.
The boy’s family told News4JAX that they heard multiple shots and then a bullet came through the window, hitting the toddler in the leg.
Investigators were searching for surveillance video and had no suspect information early Monday morning. Police said they’re trying to figure out if the boy’s house was targeted.
With the shooter still on the loose, neighbors like Colby Nelson are nervous.
“It’s just a shame,” Nelson said. “I’m just thinking wow, you know it never stops in this area. It’s just such a tragedy that that type of element persists in this entire ZIP code constantly.”
Also nervous, the child’s great aunt. She told News4JAX the little boy had been staying with her in Jacksonville for a few months to get him out of a bad situation in Michigan, but then, this happened.
She said he was watching TV when he was hit and he didn’t even realize it. He was in shock.
She and other neighbors said they heard multiple shots, possibly from an assault-style weapon.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call JSO’s non-emergency number at 904-630-0500 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. You can also email tips to jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org.