An 8-year-old girl was shot on a playground in North Carolina when a group of four men exchanged fire, police said.
Law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire at the Aster Park Apartments in Winston-Salem around 5:10 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said.
Officers found the young girl suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso, while several spent shell casings were discovered nearby.
“The victim was transported by Forsyth County EMS to a local hospital,” cops said.
“The victim’s injury is considered non-life-threatening at this time.”
An initial investigation revealed that four young men were shooting at each other near the playground.
The suspects — who are believed to be between 15 and 20 years old — were last seen fleeing in a dark gray Ford Escape and a black Honda.
The victim’s grandmother, Sandra Allen, told FOX8 that her granddaughter is now afraid to play outside.
“Now that this happened, she’s saying, ‘I don’t want to go to the park,'” she explained.
“I wish they had more protection around here for the children.”
While the case remains ongoing, police have requested the public’s assistance in apprehending the suspects. Those with potentially crucial information are encouraged to contact the local Crime Stoppers unit.
The Winston-Salem Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
