A child died in the “exchange” cannon fire“When she was inside a car in Southeast Washington D.C., Police Tell.
Police said the shooting took place around 9 pm on Friday night.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the little girl was caught in the “exchange of gunfire” and is not believed to be the “intended target”. Metropolitan Police Department Commander Lashay Makal said at a news conference.
The three-year-old boy has been identified as Tyah Settles.
Ms Makal said it was believed she was with a family member in the vehicle.
The number of suspects involved was not immediately clear. No suspects have been identified, and no motive has been reported.
The commander said the police station was right around the corner from where the shooting took place, so police were able to respond “immediately” to the scene and take “life-saving measures”.
Settlez was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police said they found “numerous shell casings” between the 2200 and 2400 blocks of Hartford Street, SE.
Investigation is ongoing. Independent Police have been contacted for more information.
D.C. Council member Trayon White Sr. visited the tragic scene and told Washington Post: “Any time a child is shot, man, someone needs to be brought to justice.
He added, “It is intolerable that we allow this to happen again and again in our community.”
The police commander also said the same thing.
“It is an absolute tragedy. this is unacceptable. A three-year-old little girl lost her life today,” Ms Makal said at the press conference before urging the public to reach out for information.