Posted: 7/5/2005 6:26:00 PM
Bullet falls from sky, strikes baby in head
Source: KRQE News 13
ALBUQUERQUE -- Doctors are trying to save the life of an Albuquerque baby shot in the head by a bullet that fell from the sky Monday night. The bullet was likely fired into the air during a July 4th celebration.
The 11-month-old, named Alyssa, is being treated at UNM hospital and is in critical condition.
While she is fighting to stay alive, police are trying to find out who put her there.
One Monday night Alyssa’s family was wrapping up their 4th of July party at their grandmother’s house in southwest Albuquerque.
Alyssa's grandmother was just holding the baby in her driveway on Sunbow Court when the baby suddenly cried out and blood began to drip from her head.
“(The Bullet) entered in rear quadrant (of the baby’s head) and exited out and embedded into shoulder,” says John Walsh of the Albuquerque Police Department.
Police have recovered the bullet and have determined it came from a high caliber gun. Forensics tests will help determine more.
Police say finding the person who fired the gun could be tough. Depending on the caliber or gunpowder, the bullet could have traveled anywhere between a few hundred yards up to a mile.
That's why police are asking for help identifying anyone who was firing a high caliber gun in southwest Albuquerque on Monday night.
Alyssa did undergo surgery to help repair the gunshot wound in her head and shoulder. She remains in pediatric intensive care.
If you have any information about someone firing a gun Monday, you’re asked to call 242-COPS.