CINCINNATI — Authorities arrested a suspect who fired shots outside a Sedamsville apartment complex Monday evening, leaving a woman and 4-year-old girl injured by shrapnel, according to Chief Eliot Isaac.
The victims were not shot, but hit with pieces of shrapnel and taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Isaac said on Tuesday morning that authorities have arrested Shawn Johnson. Johnson is being charged with three counts of felonious assault, according to officials.
The incident is the latest in a string of violence in the city in recent weeks, including a 20% overall increase over a typical 28-day period, according to law enforcement data.
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“Around 6:00, 260ish Fairbanks Avenue, we had a report of a shooting with possibly a child shot," Cincinnati Police Spokesperson Lt. Stephen Saunders said.
Law enforcement officials arrived at the Eatondale Apartments prepared for the worst.
“It came out on the radio as reported that way," Saunders said. "Investigators got to the scene, determined that a young child, a female about four received some wounds from shrapnel, was not shot, as well as an adult female.”
The victims were inside or near a car when the shooting began. The woman was transported to UC hospital, and the 4-year-old to Cincinnati Children's.
“The first responders were there, firefighters were there, rendered aid as well as the officers who first got on the scene,” Saunders said.
Police said the incident could have been much worse and they are asking for anyone with information to come forward.
“Still dangerous and very concerning to have that happen wherever it happens,” Saunders said.
The apartment complex is equipped with security cameras, but it's not clear if they will be of any help to police in the investigation.
Anyone with more information on the case is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 513-352-3040.
