SAN BERNARDINO >> Sheriff’s investigators are searching for two teen boys who are suspected of shooting a 5-year-old in the forehead with a BB gun.
Detectives say it’s unclear if the small boy was targeted or if it was a accident, said Jodi Miller, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
“Ultimately, detectives need to speak to the two that were involved,” Miller said.
The wounded boy, whose identity was not released, was in the backyard of his home in the 3300 block of Conejo Drive around 11:45 p.m. Saturday night when he was shot, officials said.
Initially, authorities were unsure what kind of weapon had been used, according to a sheriffs’ statement. But deputies later determined the injury was from a BB gun.
The child was transported by ambulance to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital where he is expected to recover from the superficial injuries, said Miller.
Witnesses described the possible shooters to deputies as a pair of boys named Alan and Larry, who were in a nearby backyard. The boys ran off, heading northbound on Conejo Drive, just before deputies arrived, according to the sheriff’s statement.
Authorities believe the boys, who are between the ages of 13 and 17, live in the area.
Anyone with any information about the shooting or the boys can call Deputy J. Burnette at the Sheriff’s Central station at 909-387-3454.