MEMPHIS, Tenn.– A child is left in critical condition after a shooting in East Memphis Friday night, according to Memphis Police.
Police say a four-year-old girl was shot at 1055 South Perkins before 9 p.m. She was transported to Le Bonheur in critical condition.
Memphis Police have not said what led up to the incident. Neighbors we talked to say they heard gunshots and moments later, law enforcement arrived.
“I wasn’t a gun guy, but now something like that happen right there, still don’t know the story on it, I went and got me something last week,” Bradley Crain said. “You just got to protect yourself.”
Last year 31 children were killed in Memphis. Two months into 2022, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital has treated around 20 children for gunshots wounds. These are trends recently discussed by Memphis Shelby crime commission.
“Ask yourself what it is your gonna do, besides just sit back and watch the news, besides just sit back and read the paper. What are you going to do to be a part of this positive movement,” Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich said.
Last week the commission unveiled its new, five-year safe community action plan which consists of a 20-step plan to make the community safer. Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis believes a huge part of the initiative is addressing gun violence.
“We are looking at not just being proactive but also for those individuals that are committing the most egregious violent crimes having stiffer penalties,” Chief CJ Davis said. “It was mentioned truth in sentencing, especially for guns crimes.”
Officers said the suspect was driving a dark color sedan.
No arrests have been made at this time. This is an ongoing investigation.
If you have any information, call Crime Stoppers at (901)-528-CASH.