Mother of 4-year-old hit by ricochet bullet at Tamiami home says incident left him ‘traumatized’ – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) – A heartbroken South Florida mother is speaking out a day after a ricochet bullet sent her 4-year-old son to the hospital.

Speaking to 7News on Sunday, Hassell Oporta said she feared losing her son, Dylan, when he was shot at their West Miami-Dade home on Saturday night.

“I had really scary thoughts about what could have happened. Thank God that didn’t happen,” she said.

According to Miami-Dade police, the shooting occurred on Southwest 127th Court, near 12th Street, in the Tamiami neighborhood.

At around 8:45 p.m., according to investigators, people outside began arguing.

Speaking to reporters late Saturday night, MDPD Detective Luis Sierra described what happened next:

“One of the perpetrators showed a firearm and started shooting at another person. One of the shots went through a house and hit a child,” he said.

Police continued their investigations in the neighborhood on Sunday.

7News cameras showed shattered glass where bullets had pierced a trailer, as well as a car that was also hit multiple times.

“We were in bed in the bedroom. He was playing in the corner and I heard the shot and looked in the closet. That’s when he started screaming and shaking his side,” Oporta said. “When I lifted his shirt, it was full of holes and he started bleeding.”

Oporta said her son was taken to hospital, adding that he suffered abrasions on the side of his ribs.

“He was really traumatized,” she said.

Fortunately, Oporta said, the bullet left only a flesh wound and some burns, but she fears the emotional scars it left on him could be worse.

“He’s basically telling me, ‘Mommy, I don’t want a boom,'” she said, “because I think he knows, even though he’s only 4.”

Police said the two people involved in the shooting fled. Detectives are searching for them so that justice can be brought to Oporta and her family.

“This should not have happened. Never,” said Oporta, fighting back tears.

If you have any information about this shooting or the whereabouts of the individuals, call Miami-Dade Police at 305-476-5423 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

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