On Thursday, September 28, in the Stockton neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, a three-year-old boy fell victim to a fatal shooting in his mother’s car. The incident occurred around 2:20 p.m. and resulted in the arrest of two individuals.
The boy, identified as Luis Diaz, was tragically hit in the back and did not survive. His mother and 11-month-old brother, who were also in the vehicle, escaped unharmed, narrowly avoiding the gunfire.
Additionally, a 31-year-old man standing nearby was shot in the hip. He was taken to a nearby hospital; his injuries were not life-threatening.
Witnesses reported hearing an argument and then the sound of approximately eight gunshots that afternoon. The Cleveland police have been investigating the incident and detained several persons of interest.
Two individuals have been taken into custody while the authorities continue their investigation.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb reacted to the tragedy stating, “Earlier today, our city mourned the loss of an innocent child to gun violence. There are no words that can adequately convey the pain and sorrow of this tragedy.”
Pastor Jake Streeter of the Denison Avenue United Church of Christ also shared his sentiments, saying, “I wish I could say I am surprised. I want to be shocked, but unfortunately, violence in underserved communities is not a new phenomenon. We have failed to respond adequately to this issue.”
