Three Arrested Following Shooting Incident That Injured 9-Year-Old Child in Hope

HOPE, Ark. — Three individuals have been arrested following a shooting incident Sunday afternoon, November 1, that left a 9-year-old girl injured after she was struck by a stray bullet in Hope.

According to the Hope Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 12:56 p.m. Sunday following a report of a shooting in the 300 block of East 14th Street. While responding to the initial call, officers received a second report of a person who had been shot in the 400 block of East 14th Street.

Upon arriving at a residence in the 400 block, officers discovered a 9-year-old female suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Investigators determined that the shooting originated in the 300 block of East 14th Street, where individuals inside a vehicle traveling along the roadway exchanged gunfire with individuals in the yard of a residence.

According to investigators, the young girl was not involved in the incident but was struck by a stray bullet during the exchange of gunfire.

The child was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being airlifted to another medical facility for further care.

As a result of the investigation, three individuals have been arrested:

Angel Romero, 18, of Hope, charged with Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle.
Caden Brown, 20, of Hope, charged with Battery in the First Degree and Terroristic Act.
A 14-year-old juvenile male, charged with Battery in the First Degree and Terroristic Act.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police say additional arrests and charges may be forthcoming.

The Hope Police Department also extended its thoughts and prayers to the young girl injured in the shooting as she continues to receive medical care.