3-year-old girl shot while riding in the back seat of family's car in Santa Ana
A 3-year-old girl is recovering in the hospital after she was shot during a possible gang-related incident while sitting in the back seat of a car in Santa Ana Sunday night.
The shooting occurred in a residential area near 15th and Spurgeon Street around 8 p.m., according to Santa Ana Police Department.
After calling 911, the child's mother rushed her to Children's Hospital of Orange County where the toddler reportedly underwent several surgeries, officers said
She is currently in critical, but stable condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the back, but is expected to survive.
"The victim suffered significant injuries but is expected to survive. Our detective are looking for anyone who has more information about this incident," said Natalie Garcia, Santa Ana Police Department. She also said officers are looking for any surveillance video from the area.
Investigators revealed that they believe the shooting is gang-related, saying that the adult male passenger of the car, the mother's boyfriend, was likely the intended target.
"The front passenger is a documented gang member," said Officer Natalie Garcia. "The shooter was on foot and at this time we know that the suspect is a male adult."
They said that the girl's four-year-old sister was sitting next to her at the time of the shooting, but was uninjured. Neither of the adults, a male and a female, were injured. Police say that they were not arrested following the incident.
Video from the scene showed a white car with at least two bullet holes, one on the side and the other on the rear.
Main Street between 15th Street and 17th Street was closed while officials investigated the scene.
Anyone who has more information about this incident is asked to contact the police at 714-245-8665 or homicide SAPD homicide detectives at (714) 245-8390.
