Nine-year-old shot in a drive by recovering well, suspect not in custody
Jan 10, 2022, 12:16 PM | Updated: 1:22 pm
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A nine-year-old girl is recovering after police said she was shot in a drive-by shooting in West Valley City.
Police said that before 9 p.m. on Sunday night, nine-year-old Berlin Rodriguez was shot near 1500 and Calvo Drive.
SHOOTING: just before 9pm a drive by shooting occurred in the 1500 block of Calvo Dr. A 9yo child inside the home was hit by a bullet which penetrated the wall. The child was transported by helicopter & is stable. Investigation is underway. No suspect description at this time. pic.twitter.com/lFo4tnWNAK
— WVC Police (@WVCPD) January 9, 2022
Security camera video showed a white pickup truck that drove past the house. That’s when a bullet flew through the Rodriguez’s home, entered and exited a cupboard, and hit the child Berlin in the arm. The bullet lodged in her side, police said.
Berlin’s aunt, Maritza Rodriguez, spoke to KSL-TV about the event. She said Berlin was making dinner with her mom when the bullet hit her.
Police are looking for a suspect believed to have sped away from the scene in a white pick-up truck.
The child injured in a drive by shooting last night has improved. The child’s family reports the child is doing well. No update regarding the suspect(s) at this time, however, investigators have developed good leads & are following up. If you have info, please call 801-840-4000. pic.twitter.com/FBI0Df3gbx
— WVC Police (@WVCPD) January 10, 2022
The nine-year-old girl was taken to Primary Children’s Hospital. Berlin is reportedly recovering and in good spirits. Her aunt expressed gratitude that the bullet missed Berlin’s organs.
The Rodriguez family told KSL-TV they do not know why they were targeted and that, now, Berlin does not feel safe in her home.