A Fort Worth father is recovering after being caught in the crossfire of gunfire on Friday afternoon.
According to Fort Worth Police, they received a call just before 4:30 p.m. reporting a shooting at an apartment complex in Northwest Fort Worth.
Upon investigation, police determined that two individuals had engaged in a shootout, and an innocent bystander was struck by one of the bullets.
The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Initially, officers stated they had one suspect in custody. However, they later clarified to NBC 5 on Saturday evening that no suspects were in custody, and the investigation was ongoing.
The victim’s wife, who chose not to disclose her name or reveal her face, expressed her fear following the incident.
“I have been very scared to where I’ve told… neighbors if I could stay with them more,” she said. “It’s like you’re not going to feel protected, [anymore], after that.”
Recounting the incident, she mentioned she was outside with four of her children when the gunfire erupted between two individuals.
“When the gunfire stopped, she went back outside.”
The mother emphasized the impact of the incident on her seven-year-old son, who witnessed his father being hit by a bullet.
“He just keeps telling me and telling me exactly what happened: He saw the bullet hit his dad, and how he fell on the floor,” she said tearfully. “My son has to live with that in his head for the rest of his life. And that’s not something he had to see or go through.”
Overall, the mother stressed the unnecessary danger posed by gunfire, especially when children are present, and the lasting trauma it inflicts on innocent bystanders.
