Toddler shot in targeted drive-by shooting, police say

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 3-year-old is in the hospital after a triple drive-by shooting in Northwest Jacksonville Wednesday afternoon.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it responded to the intersection of Soutel Drive and Ribault Avenue just before 4:30 p.m. for the reported shooting.

STORY: 1 seriously injured after small plane crashes into marsh at Northeast Florida Regional Airport

Three victims, including the toddler, were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The boy’s grandmother told Action News Jax he had surgery at UF Health Wednesday night. Her son, the boy’s father, also had surgery.

“I hope everyone comes out of surgery OK. This shooting is senseless. They don’t care about anybody. You got a three-year-old who doesn’t have anything to do with whatever is going on,” she told Action News Jax’s Robert Grant. She did not want to be named.

Police said the shooting appeared to be targeted.

Neighbors said they heard at least a dozen shots fired. Police said no other cars were hit.

The boy’s mother was also in the car and struck by bullets. She did not need surgery.

STORY: Suspect killed in officer-involved shooting on Jacksonville’s Westside

Police said the suspect took off in a sedan east on Soutel toward Lem Turner Road.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 904-630-0500 or anonymously report tips at First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

Action News Jax is working to learn more as this story develops. Check back for updates.

©2022 Cox Media Group