WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — A West Memphis family is pleading for help after a 10-year-old girl was shot.
“Honestly, I feel like this, when you shoot into someone’s house with kids, that’s a cowardly move,” said West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon.
Those strong words are coming after a 10-year-old girl was shot inside her grandmother’s house on Holiday Drive. McClendon said more than 30 rounds from at least two weapons were fired at the house early Friday morning.
Family members did not want to go on camera but one told WREG she’s tired of living in fear and will no longer be silenced. She said nearly a dozen people were home at the time of the shooting and a majority of them were children.
West Memphis Police said the 10-year-old girl was shot in the arm and is going to be ok.
The family member told WREG this is not the first time her family has been targeted. She said there have been at least four other incidents since mid-April.
“The family got to help us because this is not the first time the home has been shot into. So, someone knows something but you got to come out and help us help you,” said McClendon.
The family member said she’s filed multiple police reports but to her knowledge no arrests have been made. She also said death threats have been made towards her family.
McClendon said that’s not acceptable and he plans on taking action.
“I can guarantee, once they come to me, I will make sure something is done about whatever has happened or whatever police reports that have come forward,” he said.
He encouraged family members and even community members to come forward with any information before it’s too late.
“I’m going to lobby our prosecutors to make an example to show anyone from now on in the future that West Memphis will not tolerate homes being shot into,” he said.
McClendon said next month he plans on getting back to community policing by having officers back out in the streets talking with residents to build stronger relationships within the community.
The West Memphis Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact them or Crittenden County Crime Stoppers at 870-732-4444.
