An 11-year-old girl is currently in critical condition at a hospital, fighting for her life after being shot in the head by a stranger while sitting in her father’s car.
The incident occurred around 12:40pm on Monday at an apartment complex parking lot. The girl, whose identity has not been disclosed, was in the front passenger seat when she was unexpectedly shot by a gunman named Ryan Hardy. The bullet pierced through the car, hitting the child’s head, leading to her immediate transfer to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland.
The victim’s father shared that his daughter’s initial words after the tragic event were heartbreaking. In Spanish, she asked, “Dad, why can’t I see?” The father expressed the immense pain he felt, stating that those words were unbearable for any parent to hear.
According to the Antioch Police Department, the shooting took place at the apartment complex parking lot, with the girl sustaining a gunshot wound to the back of her head.
The father, who remains unidentified for safety reasons, expressed deep sorrow and fear, emphasizing the profound impact the incident has had on his family.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Ryan Hardy, is considered armed and dangerous. Police have urged the public not to approach him and to immediately report any information on his whereabouts. Authorities have warned that aiding Hardy in evading capture may lead to arrest as an accessory.
A fundraiser initiated by relatives revealed that the family plans to permanently leave Antioch for safety concerns, requiring significant financial support for relocation, lost income, medical expenses, and emotional healing for the girl’s recovery.
Donations to the GoFundMe campaign have surpassed $7,800, aiming to assist the family in covering essential costs during this challenging time.