Concerns Raised After Toddler Shot in Mobile County

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch has echoed the frustrations of his community regarding escalating teenage gang violence.

A two-year-old child was shot in the face while sleeping in his bed at the St. Stephens Wood Apartment in Pritchard around 1 a.m. Wednesday, as reported by local media.

Burch indicated that the incident was likely a gang-related drive-by shooting, stating, “They’re gutless punks who fired into the bedroom window from outside. There was no forced entry into the apartment.” He suggested that the child’s teenage brother, involved in gang activities, might have been the intended target.

Burch elaborated, saying that the shooting could be linked to a previous incident on Vestavia Street that occurred a few hours later. “I don’t really believe in coincidence. I think the shooting is part of a retaliation,” he stated.

The sheriff emphasized the urgency of addressing gang violence, declaring, “This will be a priority for our special operations department.” He added a stern warning to gang members: “I dare you to pull a gun on anyone in my jurisdiction. It might be the last thing you do.”

Burch expressed strong emotions about the issue, suggesting in a somewhat visceral way that perhaps a drastic confrontation among gangs could lead to a solution. “It’s kids, teenagers who are involved in this mess,” he remarked. “We wish to put an end to this heartache the gangs cause our community.”

The two-year-old underwent surgery; however, details regarding his condition are still unclear, and as of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. The Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information to come forward.