Mistaken for what people thought were fireworks, gunshots fired at a residence in the quiet neighborhood of Port Hueneme injured a pregnant mother and her 7-year-old daughter.
“The neighborhood where this occurred is generally very quiet,” said Police Chief Andrew Salinas. “We normally would get numerous calls for service for shots fired, but unfortunately due to the fireworks in this neighborhood it made it very difficult to determine if it were fireworks or shots being fired in the neighborhood.”
At around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, Port Hueneme Police Department received a call from the frantic mother asking for help. The shooting took place in the 100 block of East Pearl Street where officers found several bullet strikes to the mother’s residence.
Shell casings were scattered on the ground outside the home.
The victims were rushed to Ventura County Medical Center and are being treated for their injuries. A Port Hueneme police officer at the scene confirmed the 7-year-old girl was shot in the head, and the mother was struck in the foot.
Approximately five family members were inside the home at the time of the shooting.
Port Hueneme Police Detectives and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Unit are investigating what led to the shooting.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Photo Credit: OnScene TV
Source: NBC Los Angeles