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14-Year-Old Shooting Victim Speaks Out At Anti-Crime Rally

Westside Holds Rally To End Shootings

POSTED: Thursday, July 17, 2008
UPDATED: 12:31 pm EDT July 18, 2008

Just one week after someone shot her in the back, a 14-year-old girl showed her wounds and told her story before joining other Westside residents for an anti-crime rally.

Kelsey Caplin said she had just finished shopping with some friends and was sitting in the back seat of a car when someone drove by and started shooting.

"At first, it hurt real bad, and then I went numb," Caplin said.

The teen was only eight blocks from her home when gunfire erupted.

"I ran across the street and saw her being put into a stretcher with blood coming off her shirt," said the teen's father.

He told Channel 4 that he's angry and that's why he united with others who live on the Westside during a rally meant to send a message to criminals.

With the help of the community group Mad Dads and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, community members said they hope the shootings will stop.

"People are just using weapons indiscriminately," said Caplin's father.

Just one day after Caplin was shot, two other teens were hit at a convenience store on the Westside. Stephanie Scott said her 16-year-old son has a broken elbow, where the bone stopped the bullet.

Westside residents said what's scary is that the shooters in both of shootings are still on the run.

Police said they can't catch the gunmen without the public's help.

"We all need to be nosy to make a difference in society. Look around; this is all we have," said JSO Lt. Charles Wall.

"I don't know about (Kelsey), but I'm angry. Our children can't walk into the street and feel safe in the neighborhoods," said Caplin's father.

Anyone with information that could help police solve any crime is asked to call Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
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