MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s Nazim Houston’s first time using crutches. But unlike most 12-year-olds, it’s not due to a broken bone from playing.
It’s from being shot, near Dunlap Street, less than a mile from his house.
“All I heard was pow, pow and I just started running and did no looking back and as soon as I hit the corner, I felt something pinch my leg,” Houston said.
He says he was going to get snacks with his cousins around 7:30 Wednesday night.
They were walking to a nearby market in their North Memphis neighborhood when the bullets started flying.
At first, he thought he scraped his thigh.
“I ran up to my uncle’s house, they closed the door. I walked in the kitchen and blood was dripping down my leg. I said to my uncle, I said, ‘I got hit.’ They made me sit down on the couch.”
He’s not sure who shot him or why, but is dealing with thoughts that shouldn’t have to cross any pre-teen’s mind.
“If it went any higher, it could’ve been worse, so I thank God that it was only in this area. At least I’m still alive and I’m not somewhere in a grave.”
Instead of focusing on his 13th birthday next month or his schoolwork at Humes Prep Academy, he’s trying to heal.
“It’s bad, like I can’t get up to go use the restroom. When I try to get in the bed, I can’t bend my leg and if it bends, it’s going to hurt bad.”
His single father calls it senseless. So does community activist Pastor Deandre Brown.
“I feel like we’re really failing our children,” Pastor Brown said. “The children only show what they learn. These are not behaviors that they come up with on their own.”
Pastor Brown says it’s time the community steps up if they can help, and for those who need help, be willing to accept it.
Police have not named any suspects at this time.
If you have any information that could help lead to an arrest, you’re asked to call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH.
