4-Year-old Struck By Bullet In Manatee County

BRADENTON, FL — A 4-year-old child was struck by a bullet while riding in a car with his mother, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

An agency spokesperson said the incident happened shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday night at 27th Street East and 30th Avenue East.

"At the time of the shooting, a vehicle driven by the victim's mother was traveling South on 27th Street East when her vehicle was hit with multiple bullets," the spokesperson said. "One of the rounds struck her 4-year old son in the shoulder as he rode in the backseat."

The child, who was not identified by police, was taken to Tampa General Hospital and later released.

The Manaaee County Sheriff's Office described the injury as a "through-and-through wound" to the child's right shoulder area.

"He has since been treated and released, and is expected to make a full recovery," the agency spokesperson said. "The mother was uninjured."

The sheriff's office said two men were involved in a gunfight around the intersection where the child was shot but they have not yet made any arrests in the case.

To report a tip, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.