OAKLAND COUNTY (WWJ) - A young girl has died as a result of being shot in the head while returning home from school in Pontiac Friday afternoon in what police said was a gang-related drive-by shooting.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office said the 7-year-old, identified as Ariah Jackson, and her mother were both hit by gunfire about 4:50 p.m. Friday when the mother parked her vehicle in the driveway outside their home on Paddock and Wilson.
Ariah was still sitting in the vehicle when a late model, orange Chevrolet Blazer with at least two male occupants drove by and fired six shots before taking off.
Police said Ariah was struck in the back of the head and was transported to the hospital in the back of a patrol car; she died a short time later as a result of her injuries.
The mother, 30, was grazed by a bullet to her head and declined medical treatment at the hospital and was released.
Deputies said Ariah was in the car with her mother, her sister and two cousins, ages 6, 7 and 11, at the time of the shooting; the other girls were not harmed.
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According to the OCSO, the mother told deputies she was at the bus stop waiting for her two daughters and two nieces when she first noticed the orange SUV drive by her with two male occupants. The mother headed home after picking up the children and was pulling into the driveway of her residence when she saw the orange Chevy Blazer coming towards them.
A passenger wearing black clothing hung out from one of the vehicle's windows and opened fire on the family.
Deputies said the girl's father removed her from the vehicle after she was shot and brought her inside before officers arrived on scene.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard expressed his anger in a press release, calling on the community to speak up against the city's violent crimes;
“All too often we see gang members seeking to perpetrate violence against rivals strike innocent victims in the process,” Bouchard said. “This is completely unacceptable, and the tragic loss of this child will not be tolerated. If you carry or use a gun illegally in furtherance of criminal activity, we are coming for you.”
Bouchard said the department has identified at least one person of interest in connection the shooting; it is unclear if they are in police custody at this time. A source had disclosed to Fox 2 that a person of interest was apprehended earlier Saturday morning, but that information remains unconfirmed.
“We will seek the harshest charges possible from both county and federal prosecutors,” Bouchard said. “I encourage the community to express their outrage by sharing any information they have about violent individuals. It is not snitching when you take steps to protect your own family and community by sharing information. If you are as angry as I am, let’s hold these individuals accountable and prevent these tragedies in the future.”
Anyone with information about any crime can remain 100% anonymous by submitting tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP (1-800-773-2587).
Online tips can be submitted here.
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