JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A three-year-old girl shot in Durkeeville Wednesday night is in the hospital with a gunshot to the leg, but the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the girl is expected to live.
Deputies responded to the scene at the corner of McMillan and Ella Street just after 6 p.m. Tuesday. They found the girl shot in the leg and crews took her to the hospital where she is recovering.
Police said it is unclear who fired the gun at this time, but they do not believe there is a suspect at large or any danger to the neighborhood.
The Department of Children and Family Services is now investigating. Neighbors told Action News Jax’s Robert Grant that several children live in the home and it is a haven for crime. When asked, JSO said they did not know of past history at the home, but would be investigating.
A church just across the street called Assembly of Love and Faith started in the Durkeeville neighborhood about 15 months ago.
Pastor James Huggins said he put his congregation there to help curb the crime in the area.
“We’re going to take back the violence and show love in the community,” Pastor Huggins said. In his sermons, he teaches “to love God, love one another, and live by the word of God.”
Action News Jax’s Robert Grant asked the pastor about the violence, including Wednesday’s shooting involving a three-year-old.
“I’m there for a reason. So we’re going to take back the community. We’re going to make a change. If it takes 2 years, 3 years, or 5 years — we’re going to make a change.”
He encourages anyone who knows anything to speak up and break the code of silence.