Toddler In Critical Condition After being Shot While Sitting In Vehicle
INCIDENT DATE/TIME: 2-25-24, approximately 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Spurgeon St. and 15th Street
AREA/CITY: Santa Ana
DETAILS:
SANTA ANA – A 3-year-old girl remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition Monday after being shot while sitting in the backseat of a car in Santa Ana, and police said the gunfire is believed to have been gang-related, targeting a man who was also in the car.
The shooting occurred about 8 p.m. Sunday around 15th and Spurgeon streets, according to Santa Ana police Officer Natalie Garcia.
According to police, two bullets struck the white Nissan Altima, and one of them “traveled through the trunk, into the passenger compartment,” striking the 3-year-old girl. A 4-year-old girl was also in the backseat but was uninjured, police said.
Investigators found three shell casings at the scene, Garcia said.
The injured girl’s mother, who was driving the car, did not immediately realize the girl had been shot, but moments later when it appeared she was in distress, the mother drove to Children’s Hospital of Orange County, where the girl underwent surgery. Garcia said she is expected to survive.
The family, who lives in Santa Ana, was visiting other relatives at the time, Garcia said.
Santa Ana police said investigators “believe the adult male passenger was the intended target, and the shooting was gang-related.”
“Both adults were interviewed and cooperated with detectives,” according to a police statement. “Neither have been arrested.”
Garcia said the man in the car was the boyfriend of the girl’s mother.
News video from the scene showed investigators examining the family’s car parked outside the hospital, with bullet holes visible in the back of the vehicle.
According to Garcia, the gunman is believed to have been on foot and fired at the moving vehicle. He was described only as a man.
Investigators have recovered doorbell video and are reviewing it for evidence, Garcia said. Police asked residents in the area to hand over any relevant surveillance video they may have.
“Detectives are attempting to identify and locate any witnesses who can shed light on this incident,” according to police. “Based on the time of day and population density of the area, detectives believe there are witnesses to this shooting. This was an act of senseless gun violence where an innocent child was shot and we are requesting the public’s assistance.”
Anyone with information was asked to call homicide detectives at 714- 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS (847-6227).
HANDLING AGENCIES: Santa Ana Police Department
SOT(s): YES, Santa Ana PIO, Natalie Garcia (English and Spanish) and a Neighbor (Spanish Only)
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