OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – A grateful father waited for his oldest daughter to get out of surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital Thursday morning, a day after she had been shot in Opa-locka.
The man told Local 10 News that his 15-year-old daughter, who was with her 8-year-old brother and other children when she was shot, is a student at Miami Central Senior High School.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho condemned the shooting, posting on Twitter: "Another unacceptable attack on our community's youth. This girl and those she was with could have been killed. If you know something, please speak up."
A witness, who did not want to be identified, told Local 10 News that she heard multiple gunshots.
"It was very loud, and it sounded like it started outside my window, and it started moving down the street," she said.
Police said someone open fired on a group of children.
"About five juveniles, ranging from about 8-15 years of age (were) walking in the neighborhood tonight and they heard gunshots. They all took off running for fear," Opa-locka Police Chief James Dobson said.
Police said the 15-year-old girl got hit in the arm and in the buttocks.
The search continues for whoever who shot her.
Police said some of the children who were with her stayed behind to give detectives as much information as possible to find the shooter.
"(It's) time to put the weapons down," Dobson said.
Dobson said the children did not see the shooter, but officers believe the culprit ran away after the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.