Police Search For Gunman Who Shot Child Riding In SUV

DENVER (CBS4)- Police in the Denver metro area continued their search for a gunman who shot a child while he was riding in an SUV. Investigators with the gang unit are on the case.

The shooting happened about 6:30 p.m. Monday near 6th and Knox. Police said a white car pulled up to a Jeep and fired at least one shot toward the rear of the vehicle.

The bullet struck an 8-year-old boy in the back. That boy, Jacob, has undergone surgery to remove the bullet from his back and several fragments from his spine.

Jacob is recovering but still cannot feel his right leg. He is in serious condition at Denver Health Medical Center.

The shots fired Monday evening could be heard blocks away where Juan Luna was working on a car.

"I heard four shots, three fast, you know like boom, boom, boom and then a couple of seconds... boom," said Luna.

Jacob's mother and her boyfriend were in the front when their vehicle was targeted.

A source who didn't want to be identified told CBS4 Jacob's mother noticed someone following them. After the shooting they drove to a 7-Eleven near 5th and Federal where witnesses saw Jacob.

"He just heard some gun shots and he went running to the 7-Eleven to see what it was and he just saw the little boy lying on the ground," said Adriana Perez.

Police continue to search for a white Volvo and two Hispanic men.

Two people were detained on Tuesday but released after it was determined they were not involved in the shooting.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). You can text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter your message or send an e-mail to metro-denvercrimestoppers.com. If the information you provide leads to the arrest and charging of a wanted individual, you can receive a cash reward up to $2,000.