Authorities are investigating a shooting incident that injured a 4-year-old Wichita girl.
The child sustained a gunshot wound to her right arm and was admitted to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Wichita Police said they learned of the incident while investigating a different case at the hospital. The 4-year-old was said in stable condition awaiting surgery.
Police later learned that child the incident happened around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 1600 block of S. Pattie St. They said the child was watching fireworks and playing with her neighbors when she was hit by a stray bullet.
In a press release issued Wednesday, WPD officials said, “[We want] to reiterate the severity of the consequences when shooting a firearm into the air. The outcome of this incident could’ve been much worse than what had happened to this child, who was enjoying the festivities of the 4th of July. This reckless behavior exhibits a lack of regard for human life.”
Anyone with additional information is asked to call WPD detectives at 316-268-4407, the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.
