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Child in life-threatening condition after being shot by another child

Posted at 8:21 PM, Jun 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-26 20:22:27-04

Officials say a child was shot at a playground in Kansas City, Missouri Sunday. 

Police were called to the area of 23rd and Wheeling around 7 p.m. 

According to police at the scene, the child was reportedly shot by another child on the playground at the housing complex there.

Police say the child is under the age of 10 and is listed in life-threatening condition. 

The subject of interest in the shooting, also a juvenile, has been detained, according to police. 

Neighbors tell 41 Action News that the girl is doing better, and is reportedly awake at the hospital.  Police have not confirmed this information.

It was a heartbreaking scene to see little kids at the Blue Valley Court apartment complex putting stuffed animals down at the scene.

"It's for her because she got shot and I wanted to give a teddy bear," five-year-old Raniya said.

Neighbors say a little boy, around seven years old, pulled the trigger.

Rena Harris says she heard a gunshot and came outside to a tragic scene.

"The mama was sitting there with her, taking care of the baby, putting pressure on the shot and everything," Harris said. "The baby was laying on the ground, and the mama was holding her and talking to her and praying over her. That's what I saw when I came down here."

All day, people came to lay stuffed animals and signs where the shooting happened. 

The little girl remains hospitalized.

Neighbors say this could have been prevented if parents were more attentive. One neighbor said the little boy had the gun all day, information police have not confirmed.

"This is something people need to talk about because it's getting to be old for kids to be getting hurt," Harris said.

Kyesha McIntosh told 41 Action News she's glad her niece and nephew weren't able to play that day.

"I'm glad they weren't there, but I feel sorry for the mama, it shouldn't happen like that," McIntosh said.

Police haven't said how or where the boy got the gun, but the fact he had access to one has parents concerned for their kids' safety.

"You've got to start from the beginning of keeping those guns safe," Captain Ryan Mills with KCPD said.

Mills says it's disheartening to think that just last year officers handed out at least 100 gun locks in the same area after a three-year-old was shot and killed in a neighboring complex.

Mills demonstrated how easy it is to put a gun lock on a firearm, and says it's even easier to get a lock for free.  Anyone can get one at local police stations. Hospitals and anti-crime organizations like Mothers In Charge also keep hundreds of them to hand out.

"You can find one somewhere, and you don't have to go to a police station. But I've got them for you. I won't ask any questions about what kind of gun you're locking up, or how many. I'll just say, here you go, thanks, and have a good day," Mills said.

Mills even says if someone is afraid to ask the police for a gun lock, have a family member or friend get one.