In a shocking incident, a mother and her infant are expected to recover after being struck by gunfire while asleep in their Lithonia residence on Monday night.
The DeKalb County Police Department reported that the residence on Wildginger Run was targeted in a shooting, with at least five bullets fired around 9 p.m. The 29-year-old mother sustained a gunshot wound, while her 7-month-old son was grazed by a bullet.
A neighbor, upon being approached by one of the home’s residents, promptly called 911. The neighbor’s son, a doctor at Grady Memorial Hospital, rendered assistance to the victims until the arrival of an ambulance.
The infant, with minor injuries, was swiftly transported to the hospital, and the mother is anticipated to make a full recovery.
Law enforcement officials suggest that the victims were not the intended targets of the shooting, as multiple individuals inhabit the residence.
Surveillance videos from neighboring properties are under scrutiny as investigators work diligently to unravel the details of the incident.
John Stephens, a resident living a few doors down, recounted the harrowing moment when gunfire erupted.
“It sounded like somebody was knocking on my door or banging on my door,” Stephens said. “I heard shots boom, boom, boom, boom. And a few seconds later, I heard other shots, boom, boom, boom, boom.”
Investigators are exploring the possibility that the shooting may have stemmed from a disagreement between young men residing in the house and another group outside. Neighbors have indicated that previous issues existed in the area.
“I’ve lived over here for about 11 years, and you never get used to it because you think the next one is going to be your house,” Stephens remarked.
As the investigation unfolds, the DeKalb County Police Department urges anyone with information to come forward.
