HOPE, Ark. – A routine Saturday afternoon in Hope turned tragic when a stray bullet from a shootout wounded a 9‑year‑old girl. Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 300 block of East 14th Street just before 1 p.m. Sunday and discovered the child with a gunshot wound at a residence in the adjacent 400 block.
Details of the incident
According to the Hope Police Department, two groups were involved in the confrontation. One group was traveling in a vehicle when they opened fire on a second group that was standing in front of a home. The exchange of gunfire was brief but intense, and a bullet left the scene and struck the young girl, who was not part of either group.
The girl was initially taken to a local hospital for emergency care. After stabilization, medical personnel decided to airlift her to a larger regional facility for further treatment and observation. Hospital officials have not released details about her condition, but they confirmed that she is receiving appropriate care.
Arrests made
Police quickly identified and detained three individuals connected to the shootout. Angel Romero, 18, was arrested on a charge of discharging a firearm from a vehicle. Caden Brown, 20, faced charges of first‑degree battery and a terroristic act. An unidentified 14‑year‑old boy was also taken into custody on the same charges of first‑degree battery and a terroristic act. Romero and Brown are being held at the Hempstead County jail.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that they are reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and ballistic evidence to fully understand the circumstances that led to the stray bullet reaching the child.
Community response
Local residents expressed shock and concern over the incident, noting that Hope is typically a quiet community where such violent events are rare. Parents voiced worries about safety in public spaces, while community leaders called for calm and urged cooperation with law‑enforcement efforts.
Mayor [Name] released a statement saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the injured child. We will work closely with the police to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that our community remains safe.”
Public‑safety measures
The Hope Police Department reminded citizens to report any suspicious activity promptly and reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety. Officers are also encouraging anyone with additional information about the shootout to contact the department’s tip line.
As the investigation proceeds, officials will provide updates on any further developments, including potential charges beyond those already filed.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
