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9-year-old struck by bullet on basketball court after teens get into argument, Tampa PD says

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Posted at 10:11 PM, Mar 22, 2022
and last updated 2022-03-23 17:11:42-04

TAMPA, Fla. — A shooting investigation is underway after a 9-year-old was struck by a bullet on a basketball court following an argument between two teens on Tuesday night.

The Tampa Police Department (TPD) said they arrived at the basketball courts in Robles Park shortly after 7 p.m. after getting a call about a shooting.

Upon arrival, witnesses told officers that two teen boys had gotten into an argument. Following the argument, according to witnesses, one of the teens went home to grab a gun and came back and shot it in the direction of the basketball courts.

The 9-year-old girl, whose relationship with the teens has not been disclosed, was struck by a bullet in her lower back area.

TPD said the 9-year-old was taken to a local hospital, where "she is in stable condition."

The 15-year-old teen who fired the gun, per TPD, was taken into custody. He's charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and juvenile in possession of a firearm

During a press conference on Wednesday, Tampa Police Department Caption Les Richardson said the 15-year-old has no history with their office, and that his parents were shocked and are cooperating.

According to Richardson, TPD is still investigating where exactly the gun was obtained from.

9-year-old struck by bullet on basketball court in Tampa | Press Conference