Miami-Dade

Toddler Injured in Drive-by Shooting in Florida City: Family

Officers were at the scene in the 900 block of Southwest 6th Place around 1 a.m. after reports of shots being fired in the area

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A two-year-old was injured in a drive-by shooting early Monday morning in Florida City, family members said.

Officers were at the scene in the 900 block of Southwest 6th Place around 1 a.m. after reports of gunshots. Witnesses said a car pulled up into the area and someone inside opened fire before fleeing the scene.

Several markers were seen in the area, indicating bullet casings, with officers searching the area. Police said one person was airlifted to an area hospital, but no details were released.

Family members said two-year-old Makai Louissaint was shot in the leg while sitting outside with his family.

"I never expected it to be my kid," said Medjina Raymond, the child's mother.

The toddler was in the area for the summer to visit his grandmother.

"I started screaming," his mother said. "I went to the room and woke up my mom, saying, 'Makai got shot.'"

The toddler is expected to be okay and will undergo surgery at Kendall Regional Medical Center. A second person who was injured in the shooting was taken to Jackson South Hospital.

“This don’t make no sense. A baby gets shot," said Pete Harvey, who lives in the neighborhood. "People can’t sit out here and enjoy themselves on their porches.”

Harvey added that police have been in the area more often lately.

“They control it all the time. But they come at the wrong time and it still happens," he said. "They got to watch them out and do what they do”

Police have not released details on the incident at this time.

A reward of up to $5,000 is offered for tips leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous.

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