The NYPD on Friday released images of two suspects involved in the stray bullet shooting of an innocent 12-year-old girl near a Bronx playground and asked for the public’s help in tracking the pair down.
The pre-teen was walking in Pearly Gates Playground near Tratman Ave. and Rowland St. in Westchester Square about 8:30 p.m. Monday when a barrage of bullets was fired, hitting her once in the stomach and once in her right foot, cops said.
Before she was shot, the girl heard voices yelling “Ewok! Ewok!” a police source said.
The wounded girl stumbled over to a witness and told them she “didn’t know why she was shot,” according to the police source.
Medics rushed the girl to Jacobi Medical Center. She is expected to recover.
Police said the wounded child was an innocent bystander who was struck by stray bullets after a fight broke out between a group of young men in the playground.
“It was some young boys who hang out in front of the park,” said a 24-year-old man, who declined to share his name. “They are always fighting, but they hit a child. It’s crazy.”
Investigators found seven shell casings at the scene, sources said. It was not immediately clear how many pistols were used during the shooting.
Kerry Burke / New York Daily News
Police on the scene where an innocent 12-year-old girl was struck twice in a shooting in the Bronx on Tratman Ave. near Rowland St. in Westchester Square on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. A gun is seen under a tire near where the shooting took place. (Kerry Burke / New York Daily News)
A black pistol was seen lying under the driver’s side tire of a white Honda SUV parked at the scene Monday night.
Four suspects wearing all black were spotted running on Tratman Ave. toward Zerega Ave., according to cops, who released images of two of the wanted individuals.
Anyone with information is asked to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.