SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Investigators are searching for the shooter who opened fire on two children in Florida City, sending them to the hospital.
Both children, 5-year-old Eric Wright and 9-year-old Treasure Clark, remain at Kendall Regional Medical Center in critical condition, Friday afternoon.
Their grandmother is asking the public for help and prayers.
“I just need all the prayers to come out and pray for my kids, pray for my grandkids,” said the victims’ grandmother, Patricia Bell. “They don’t deserve this. They don’t deserve it.”
Florida City Police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene of shots fired around 5:15 p.m. in the area of Northwest Seventh Avenue and 12th Street, Thursday afternoon.
Police said a group of children were playing in the area when a white four-door car drove by and opened fire, striking the 5-year-old and the 8-year-old in the chest.
Thirteen-year-old Tadarius Bell described the scene of the shooting. “Everybody started sprinting out, running, trying to grab each other. We just heard it from every angle,” he said. “It just happened like that.”
The children’s grandmother is holding out hope both children will survive.
“They’re supposed to be safe in their yard, inside the fence,” she said. “They’re supposed to be safe.”
Devastating to know that yet again children in our community, who should be looking forward to summer break, instead have become victims of a shooting. My prayers are with these children and their families.
— Alberto M. Carvalho (@LAUSDSup) May 17, 2018
The two children were airlifted to Kendall Regional Hospital where they remain, Friday.
While police try to track down the shooter, the 13-year-old said all he can do now is pray for his little brother and sister.
“I can’t rest. Every time I close [my eyes], I just hear it and see the same image fly back,” he said.
As they fight to recover, family members are simply asking why this had to happen.
“All these gunshots,” Bell said. “Why? Why?”
According to a police report, witnesses said they saw men arguing in front of the house Thursday afternoon.
If you have any information on this shooting, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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