A 12-year-old boy is recovering after being shot in the head when he was caught in the crossfire between two men firing guns in an Ontario park, authorities said on Friday, April 18.
The boy was in the backseat of his parents’ car as the family was preparing to leave Veterans Memorial Park around 4:15 p.m. on April 4, Ontario police Detective Michael Williams said. The car was between two men when they fired shots at each other.
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“One of the bullets went into the back of the vehicle and struck the little boy,” Williams said.
Officers performed life saving measures before the boy was transported to a trauma center, and later, a children’s trauma center. Williams said the boy is recovering.
The two men involved were arrested on the day of the shooting and are being held without bail. Both face attempted murder charges, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the boy’s family who, according to the campaign, was homeless at the time of the shooting.
The child “is not only battling for his life — he and his family are also facing unimaginable challenges,” the GoFundMe states. “They are currently experiencing homelessness. Despite their circumstances, the family has stayed together, doing everything they can to provide love, care, and support for their child during this devastating time. We are asking our community to come together and help support this family in their time of urgent need.
“This GoFundMe page is organized by his school, community and those that Jojo has touched by his presence and his strength,” wrote Alicia Tuttle, the 6th grader’s middle school principal. “The family’s needs are beyond what our staff alone can provide and I hope that by sharing their story the generosity of others can also help them.”
The GoFundMe raised $29,606 as of Friday.
The boy’s family declined to be interviewed, a GoFundMe spokesperson said.