Man, child shot after dispute between two 9-year-olds, police say

WASHINGTON — A dispute between a 9-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl led Tuesday to a shooting that left one of the children and an adult man injured in Washington, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

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Officers responded to the 1500 block of Morris Road SE around 4:45 p.m. after gunshots rang out, authorities said. They found a man injured with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and a 9-year-old boy whose leg had been grazed by a bullet, Assistant Chief Andre Wright said.

“What we know now is that there were two juveniles who had a dispute earlier, and from this dispute, this shooting occurred,” the assistant chief said at a news conference. “We believe that the adult who was shot was shot very specific to this altercation, so we do believe that this is a targeted shooting.”

Authorities said the man was in critical condition after the shooting, WTTG reported. Wright said the 9-year-old’s injuries were “non-life-threatening, thank God.”

Authorities described the suspects as two teens believed to be around 15 or 16 years old. It was not immediately clear how or if the suspects were connected to the victims.

“This is unacceptable. It’s really outrageous,” Wright said. “I can’t think of any topic where two nine-year-olds have a disagreement and a gun would be introduced by anyone.”

Authorities did not elaborate on the argument that preceded the shooting. Police continue to investigate.