4-year-old shot inside Rankin home, police say

BRADDOCK, Pa. — An investigation is underway after a child was shot in Rankin.

The Allegheny County Police Department says officers were called to Children’s Hospital around 9:30 a.m. to investigate an incident where a 4-year-old was shot.

Detectives say information gathered so far indicates the child was shot inside a home on the 100 block of Rankin Boulevard on Tuesday and the child was taken to the hospital on Tuesday night.

Everyone involved with the incident has been identified, and ACPD’s investigation is ongoing. The child’s condition was not released.

Neighbors who live nearby described the scene.

“I did see the ambulance and police car,” neighbor Nicole Dudley said. “Yeah, we seen the lights and came to the door.”

Neighbor Donna Brown said she’s hoping investigators can determine exactly what happened.

“Whether it was accidental or not, I’m just trying to figure out how and why because he’s four,” Brown said.

The shooting has also shaken community members who work to reduce violence in the area.

“Everybody just kind of dropped what they were doing and got out here last night and all day today to try and find out what’s going on,” community advocate Lee Davis said.

He leads the Greater Valley Community Services.

Neighbors described the child as friendly and said he enjoyed riding his bike through the neighborhood.

Many said they are praying for his recovery.

“God, that breaks my heart,” one neighbor said. “Because kids are precious, man, they’re precious.”

Rankin Mayor Joelisa McDonald released a statement Thursday morning on the incident:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the young child injured this week and their family.

“As the investigation remains ongoing, I ask our community to keep the family in their prayers and allow law enforcement the opportunity to complete their work. We are all hoping for the child’s full recovery.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the county tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.

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