JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 3-year-old child was shot in a finger in a home invasion Tuesday afternoon on the Westside, according to Jacksonville police.
Investigators said the child's mother and her fiance were in a rear room of the home in the 7300 block of Warner Drive about 1:25 p.m.
At some point, the child left the room and was headed toward the kitchen, police said. They said the man got up with the child and went to the kitchen when he encountered someone wearing a ski mask entering through the rear door of the home.
A fight ensued and the home invader pulled out a gun, police said. They said that as the fight continued, the gun discharged, striking the child in the left index finger.
The home invader then fled, police said.
The child, who neighbors identified as a little girl, was treated at the scene by rescuers and taken to a hospital. Police said the injury is not serious.
Police did not have any suspect information at the scene. Tuesday evening, a man could seen leaving the house with detectives and at least two crime scene units were at the house collecting evidence.
One neighbor said the neighborhood is typically nice and quiet, but now she's afraid.
"I'm home alone and, which I've never been scared here -- ever. And I keep thinking about the baby," said Debra. "Did they know this person? I don't know."
Anyone with any information is asked to call Jacksonville police at 904-630-2179 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.