Officials: Shootings Involving Children Up 500 Percent From Last Year
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--A young child, killed in a double shooting in southwest Baltimore just as another young victim is released from the hospital, with a bullet still in his leg. Police say it's all part of a disturbing and growing trend.
A mother and her young son gunned down in the city. Now, frustration grows as violent crimes-- claim more lives and police say more and more children are getting caught in the crossfire.
Mike Schuh has more.
No one is immune to the pain of gun violence. In southwest Baltimore, a 7-year-old boy and his mother are the latest casualties in the deadliest month Baltimore has seen in 15 years.
This week, children are becoming collateral damage.
"I was playing basketball, and they just started shooting," said Eli.
Across town, police say nine-year-old Eli was not the intended target.
Baltimore's homicides swell to 38 this month--totaling 111 so far this year.
The police union says criminals are taking advantage of the post-riot situation-- adding that police are afraid of going to jail for doing their job.
"People are doing what they want to do because they feel the police are not going to come right away like they normally come," said Rev. Keith Bailey.
Meanwhile, fear and frustration is growing.
"He can't go out there and play like he's supposed to, he can't be safe in his neighborhood."
Lawmakers say non-fatal shootings of children in Baltimore is up 500-percent from last year.
Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to call police.