A 4-year-old boy was hospitalized after being struck by stray bullets during a birthday party Sunday evening, according to Wilmington police and the child’s family.
Police said both an 18-year-old and the child arrived at a hospital with gunshot wounds.
Investigators later determined the 18-year-old, identified as Amari Brown, had exchanged gunfire with “multiple unknown subjects.”
Police have not confirmed that it was his gunshots that struck the 4-year-old. Investigators are still working to determine who else was involved in the shootout.
The shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. Sunday near the 1400 block of West Third Street. The boy’s aunt said she was hosting a birthday party for her own son outside their home.
Children were playing on an inflatable water slide when gunfire erupted from a nearby corner. The family said bullets tore through the slide and struck the 4-year-old.
“A 4-year-old got shot for no reason, just having fun outside for a birthday party,” his aunt said.
The boy, who has autism, was hit in the leg and backside.
Family members said Monday the child is recovering and learning to use a walker in the hospital. They asked that he not be identified.
“He was in the pool area. My son and her son was going down the slide when it happened,” the aunt said.
Neighbors reported hearing a rapid burst of gunfire. Baba Hamin, who lives on the block, said, “It could’ve been 10, could’ve been 15. It seemed like a lot. Bop bop bop bop bop.”
“We don’t know who, what, where, why,” Hamin added. “We know it came from that direction, we know they found bullet casings up the street.”
Hamin said the intersection is known for drug activity.
Brown was already wanted on an unrelated charge, investigators said. They did not provide details about that case.
Family members said the children who witnessed the shooting are shaken.
“They scared. They don’t even wanna come outside,” the injured 4-year-old’s aunt said, adding, “I feel like, if you see kids, it should just be off limits.”
