BRUNSWICK, Ga. – A baby died after the 13-month-old and his mother were shot multiple times Thursday morning on Brunswick's South End, and police say a search is on for a gunman estimated to be between 13 and 15 years old.
Police say the baby died at the scene. The mother was conscious and talking when she was taken to Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
Brunswick police spokesman Todd Rhodes said the shooting occurred just after 9 a.m. while the mother was pushing the baby in a stroller on London Street near Ellis Street. He said police were looking for a young black male wearing a long sleeve red shirt, 5-feet 7-inches to 5-feet 9-inches tall, with curly hair last seen running east on London Street. Police said he was with a second boy, shorter and wearing a black shirt and who looked to be a couple of years younger.
Rhodes said they did not yet know if the mother and child were the targets of the gunfire.
"That is something we do not know at this time," said Brunswick Police Chief Tobe Green.
Dozens of officers from various agencies are at the scene hunting for the gunman over a 100-block area, aided by a SWAT team, K-9 officer and a helicopter. Glynn Academy was locked down for about 30 minutes, but has since resumed a normal schedule.
Anyone with any information about the shooting is asked to call Brunswick Police Department's Silent Witness line at 912-267-5516 or the Glynn County Police Department's Silent Witness line at 912-264-1333. Information can also be emailed to bpdtips@brunswickpolice.org.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Brunswick Mayor Bryan Thompson begged the public for help.
"I plead with you, please call the Silent Witness numbers. If you are uncomfortable doing that, call me: 912-270-0632. I guarantee you anonymity," Thompson said.
Neighbors were in disbelief about a baby getting killed, especially at the hands of another child.
"You hear about these places where things like this happen," said Guynel Johnson. "You say it's not going to happen here, but it happens everywhere, sadly."
A prayer service for the victims was scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Thursday at Greater Dimension Christian Fellowship at 5900 Altama Avenue.