8-Year-Old Injured In Bridgeport Shooting When Bullet Grazes Ear: PD

BRIDGEPORT, CT — An 8-year-old child was grazed in the ear by a bullet Sunday night in a shooting in the 300 block of Orchard Street in Bridgeport, according to police.

The child was treated in an area hospital following the shooting, which occurred just after 11 p.m. Police said the wound is not considered to be a threat to the child's life.

"On-scene reports indicate that two unknown parties were shooting at each other, and an 8-year-old was innocently grazed by their ear," said Scott Appleby, director of the city's Office of Emergency Management.

The boy and his mother, who was not injured, were visiting family on Bridgeport's East Side when they heard gunshots and discovered that the child had been grazed.

"At this point, it does not appear the mother and son were the intended targets," said Capt. Kevin Gilleran in a statement. "A crime scene was located near the intersection of Orchard Street and Spring Street, where multiple items of evidence were collected."

Police had been called to the scene following a ShotSpotter activation, in which nearly two dozen gunshots were detected on Orchard Street and Spring Street.

"Numerous police officers along with the Chief of Police responded to this incident with great concern for the wellbeing of this child and the entire Bridgeport community," Gilleran said. "The Bridgeport Police Department is asking for your help in solving this crime."

The Bridgeport Police Detective Bureau is investigating the incident, and ask that anyone with any information about the shooting contact Det. Kenneth Mckenna at 203-581-5245.

Additionally, tips can be left for the department via its Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.