News

Actions

Child shot with pellet gun in Fishhawk area park

Several cars also damaged
Posted at 3:43 PM, Feb 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-20 16:36:08-05

A child playing in a local park was hit in the neck after deputies say someone shot a pellet gun at him from inside a car and drove away.

The incident happened sometime Saturday evening at a Fishhawk area park. Neighbors say the boy was riding his bike in the park when a vehicle drove up and fired what is believed to be a pellet gun, hitting the boy in the neck and causing a bleeding wound.

And the damage didn't stop there.

Neighbors like Robert Hecht then say those in the car also fired at several neighborhood vehicles. They hit both of Hecht's vehicles, destroying the back rear window of his van and piercing the side of his jeep. But the neighbors are far more upset about the child hit.

"As innocent as they may think it is, it's very very serious," Hecht said. "If you can target somebody with a pellet gun, well, you can also shoot them with a real gun."

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is now looking for a dark maroon or black mid-size SUV with a Florida tag. The vehicle also had a Tampa Bay Buccaneers license plate. A blonde teenager was also seen in the back seat.

Kids living in the Fishhawk neighborhood said they were surprised by what happened.

"It's not like a mean neighborhood who has a bunch of people who would hurt each other," said Penelope Uvau, 12.

Parents say they are more hesitant to let their kids play in the park alone.

'You need to be more careful and be more aware," said Nilsa Ortega, a mother. "You know, things are happening in this neighborhood that I'm not aware of."

There is now a $1200 reward from the child's family for any information leading to an arrest.  You are asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office with any information.

----------------------------

STAY IN TOUCH WITH US ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.

Sign up for Breaking News email alerts

WATCH | Latest ABC Action News Videos  | WATCH | ABC Action News Live Stream

Follow us on Twitter

Follow @abcactionnews

Like us on Facebook