Police arrest 35-year-old Milwaukee man in connection with shooting of 5-year-old girl

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Police say they've arrested a 35-year-old Milwaukee man in connection to the shooting of a five-year-old girl that occurred Thursday morning. 

According to a press release, an arrest was made around 2:50 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

Police say an initial investigation reveals that the child was shot in the leg near 44th and Keefe around 10:45 a.m. after words were exchanged between the drivers of two vehicles during a road rage incident. 

”The suspect in this incident was seen exiting his vehicle after verbally confronting the driver of the vehicle that contained the five-year-old victim,” said Inspector Terrence Gordon with the Milwaukee Police Department. 

The suspect reportedly then shot into the other vehicle, striking the 5-year-old passenger.

She sustained non life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Homeowners in the area say they're heartbroken to hear another child has become a victim of senseless gun violence. Three-year-old Brooklyn Harris was shot and killed less than two weeks prior to Thursday's shooting, and just two blocks away. 

”It’s killing me, it’s hurting my heart you know, for a little innocent baby to get shot again,” said Dale Johnson who lives near the shooting scene. 

”It makes me feel like worried, like my daughter can’t even come outside and play,” said another neighbor, Marquisha Stallings.

The Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort organization says youth in Milwaukee have grown to know what to do when they hear gunshots, and the effects are traumatizing.

”Now they dodge, they look for cover, and it’s a daily occurrence, and that is traumatizing to the neighborhood,” said Olu Sijuwade with the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort. 

Authorities say this is an ongoing investigation, and criminal charges will be presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office in the upcoming days.