“One thing I know for certain, we will be relentless in finding who is responsible,” Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd said.
CLEVELAND — A 10-year-old boy who was hospitalized after being shot Friday night has died, Cleveland police confirmed.
The incident took place on East 147th Street in the 3900 block, as reported by the police. Around 7:51 p.m., officers were sent to the location and discovered that a young boy had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Subsequently, the child was driven to the Fourth District police station by a private vehicle and then transferred by ambulance to UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital for medical attention.
In an update Saturday morning, police said the department received word from the hospital around 2 a.m. that the boy had been pronounced dead.
Preliminary findings from the police inquiry indicate that the 10-year-old was situated in a vehicle that was in the process of reversing out of a driveway when an unidentified individual started shooting multiple rounds at the car. Swiftly, the driver transported the injured child to the police station. The Cleveland police department received a notification from ShotSpotter, an external system for detecting gunshots, regarding the gunfire presence in the vicinity.
Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb expressed his dismay over the situation by stating, “Our children should have the right to a secure upbringing.” He emphasized the need to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring and highlighted the importance of creating a world where children can thrive without the constant threat of fear and violence. As the community mourns the event, the focus shifts towards seeking justice. Mayor Bibb urged anyone with knowledge about the shooting to step forward and provide information to assist in the investigation, appealing for cooperation in doing what is right.
Cleveland police detectives immediately began gathering evidence from the scene and the shooting remains under active investigation, police said Saturday morning.
“This senseless act of violence has stolen the life of an innocent child, and my heart goes out to the family in this unimaginable time of grief,” said Police Chief Annie Todd. “Any death in our city is devastating; however, the loss of a child due to violence is inexplicable. One thing I know for certain, we will be relentless in finding who is responsible.”
