JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man accused of firing shots into a house that wounded a 3-year-old girl made his first appearance in court Saturday on charges of attempted first-degree murder and shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Police said 27-year-old Joseph Chambers fired nearly a dozen shots into a house in the 5600 block of Bishop Lane in Lakewood on Dec. 28. One of those shots hit Christina Downey in the foot as she sat on the couch of her living room.
Channel 4's Kumasi Aaron spoke with the girl's family and neighbors on Saturday about moving forward after Chambers's arrest.
"I'm glad, 'cause this is a nice safe neighborhood," said Ty Pashia, a neighbor who lives nearby. "We have no problems here, ever. This is a fluke. So I feel a lot better about it."
Police said Chambers turned himself in Friday night on a warrant issued earlier in the week.
Michael Downey said he believes the shooting stemmed from a bar fight he had with Chambers more than two years ago.
In the days since the shooting, the family said it's been hard for them to feel safe their own home. It's a sentiment shared by neighbors in their quiet community.
"I was a little anxious like everybody else I'm sure," said Pashia. "I'm just glad it's over with."
Pashia said he's also glad his 3-year-old neighbor is alright.
"It broke my heart. She's just an innocent little kid," said Pashia. "But I heard she took it pretty well. She's a little trooper."