Police: 11-Year-Old Girl Shot In Face While Opening Door Of Her Bethlehem Home
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (CBS) -- Police are investigating after an 11-year-old girl was shot in the face in Bethlehem Wednesday night. Officials say the shooting happened as the girl opened the door of her home on the 1900 block of Fairland Avenue just before midnight.
"We're awakened by five shots, rapid fire," neighbor Marcie Lightwood said. "There were police all over the neighborhood."
The girl's grandfather shared good news that his granddaughter is going to be okay. The child is expected to recover from her injuries but she sustained significant facial trauma and is still undergoing treatment.
"She was struck in the face," Bethlehem Police Department Cpt. Benjamin Hackett said. "The injuries although significant, are not going to prohibit her from doing anything for the rest of her life, as we know it now."
Police believe this was not a random act, but the victim was not likely the intended target.
"Our belief right now is that this was not random, that this house was specifically targeted," Hackett said.
So the focus remains on finding the person who pulled the trigger.
"I don't know how you can live with yourself," Lightwood said. "Disfiguring a young girl and terrorizing a neighborhood. Please turn yourself in."
Officials are warning residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious sightings, but they do not believe there is an increase in danger to the public.
The suspect is described as possibly a man who may have been wearing a covering over their face.
There is currently no surveillance video of the shooting, but police are asking for neighbors' help.
"What we need is help from the community," Hackett said. "If they know anything about this crime, or think they might know something that doesn't fit or feel right, we're really encouraging them to call us."
Anyone who has information about this crime or the identity of the suspect should contact Det. Ruvolo at 610-997-7676 or the Bethlehem Police Department's tip line 610-691-6660.
CBS3's Greg Argos contributed to this report.
