JSO investigating 'senseless' shooting on Northside that injured two children

Jacksonville, FL — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is investigating what it calls a 'heinous' and 'senseless' crime that critically injured a 5-year-old girl.

According to JSO, they were called to Monaco Drive on Jacksonville's Northside about a shooting shortly after 4PM Monday afternoon.

Based on their investigation, an argument between two groups of people escalated into a physical fight, and, ultimately, into a shooting in the parking lot of a food mart. JSO says they don’t yet know what sparked the argument initially.

"When these two groups began shooting at each other, unfortunately, two children were in the backseat of a car. A 5-year-old female child was struck and a 4-year-old was also injured by some of the debris, but that injury was not from gunfire," says JSO Assistant Chief Brian Kee.

Police say the 5-year-old girl’s injury is critical, while the 4-year-old girl's injury is described as minor.

After the shooting, police say the suspects fled the area. At this time, they have not released a description of the groups involved or their potential vehicles.

If you have any information, you're asked to call the sheriff's office at (904) 630-0500.

WATCH: The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office gives briefing on two children injured during shooting on Northside