Montgomery police warn person who shot a child: ‘We are coming for you’

Overnight gunfire in Montgomery left a young boy with critical injuries.

Police and fire medics were dispatched about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday to the 3200 block of Raintree Drive on a report of a person shot.

They arrived to find the boy with life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to the hospital.

“This type of offense touches everyone in this department deeply,’’ Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys said in a 5 p.m. press conference.

Few details have been released about the shooting.

The chief said he would not provide the victim’s age but described him as a “young child.”

The shooting happened, he said, “inside of a building.” He did not elaborate.

Graboys said the shooting appeared to be targeted at someone, but not the child.

“I do not believe this was a random event,’’ he said.

Central Alabama Crime Stoppers said a red Nissan Altima was seen in the area at the time of the shooting.

The agency is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads police to the suspect or suspects.

To the victim and his family, Graboys said, “Our hearts, prayers and feelings are extended to you with the hope of a good and healthy recovery for the young victim.”

“That ultimately our deepest wish in all of this, for the welfare of the family and the welfare of that victim,’’ he said. “And I cannot over-emphasize and overstate that.”

He said police have been working on the case non-stop since it happened.

To the criminal who committed what the chief described as a senseless and heinous act, Graboys said, “Your actions harmed an innocent child. Turn yourself in before things get worse for you because the Montgomery Police Department and our local, state and federal partners will not tolerate or accept it. We will find you and hold you accountable.”

“You will be looking over your shoulder because we are coming for you,’’ he said.

“I will not hide may anger at this,” Graboys said, “and it translates to the people who work with me.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP, Montgomery police at 334-625-2831 or the Secret Witness tip line at 334-625-4000.

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