SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A 10-year-old boy was airlifted as a trauma alert after he was shot in broad daylight in a Southwest Miami-Dade neighborhood.
According to Miami-Dade Police, the child was playing outside his house, located off of Southwest 104th Avenue and 178th Street, when he was shot in the leg by a stray bullet, Monday, at around 12:30 p.m.
A witness who did not want to be identified said she rushed to the area after she heard gunshots and found the injured boy.
“He kept saying it was burning, so that’s how they realized that he had got shot,” she said.
Paramedics airlifted the child to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Police said he was in good condition and is expected to be OK.
A woman said she heard about five gunshots. Another resident said he saw the shooter taking off on foot.
@MiamiDadePD needs your help solving the shooting of a 10 year old child. Unacceptable that someone is free in our community while a small child recovers at the hospital. If you know something, say something now. Call @CrimeStopper305
— Juan Perez (@JPerezMia) June 19, 2018
Neighbors said lots of children were outside during the shooting, which took place just steps away from Ben Shavis Park.
“It really could have been anybody,” said the witness.
As police continue to investigate, area residents said the violence has become all too common in this community.
“We’re killing each other. For what? No reason,” said the witness, “when we need to be out here trying to help each other.”
The young victim spent the night at the hospital. His family told 7News he was treated for the gunshot wound and is doing well.
While the search for the shooter continues, residents said they’re thankful the child will survive, and no one else was hurt.
“Thank God that it wasn’t my niece, but I’m praying for the little boy,” said the witness.
The shooter or shooters remain at large.
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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