Stray bullet hits 13-month-old in hand

3 area shootings since Thursday hit young, unintended victims.

A frantic mother flagged down an officer Sunday evening after her 13-month-old was hit in the hand by a stray bullet.

The mother was rushing her baby to Grady Memorial Hospital when her car broke down near the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and Decatur Street, according to Atlanta police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant. She made contact with a Georgia State University officer just before 5:30 p.m. She told investigators the shooting happened near Ira and Fletcher streets in southwest Atlanta, about three miles from the hospital.

“The mother further stated two males were in a dispute and began shooting at each other which led to her child being struck in the hand,” Grant said in a statement.

It is believed the two gunmen were involved in some kind of accident before they opened fire, Channel 2 Action News reported. The shooting remains under investigation.

The baby was alert and appeared to be stable when officers escorted the pair to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital for further treatment. The child is expected to be OK.

Since Thursday, there have been at least three shootings in metro Atlanta involving a stray bullet and a child.

A 4-year-old girl was in a DeKalb County apartment when a stray bullet hit her in the foot Thursday morning. Her injuries are not life-threatening. Two men were arrested in connection with the shooting.

In southwestAtlanta, an 18-yearold was killed when a stray bullet from a shooting outside her home came through a wall and hit her while she was sleeping.

No arrests have been made in that case. Anyone with information about the deadly shooting is urged to call police at 404-2916163. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $10,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website at atlantapolicefoundation.org.