TPD: Bullet That Hit 9-Year-Old Likely Came From Celebratory Gunshot

<p>A child was watching fireworks at Tulsa's FreedomFest when he was shot in the head. Police believe the bullet came from a gun someone fired to celebrate the holiday.</p>

Tuesday, July 5th 2016, 7:14 pm

By: News On 6

TPD: Bullet That Hit 9-Year-Old Likely Came From Celebratory Gunshot

Police believe someone's Fourth of July celebration led to a 9-year-old boy recovering going to a hospital.

The child was watching fireworks at Tulsa's FreedomFest Monday night when he was shot in the head. Police believe the bullet came from a gun someone fired to celebrate the holiday.

The boy was at Veterans Park; but, at this point, investigators have no idea where the bullet came from. They say is could have been a nearby neighborhood.

Officer Leland Ashley said, "It's dangerous, it's reckless for someone to do something like this at all. Maybe they had no intent, they were just firing their gun to celebrate the fourth, and this is how it ends."

It happened just before 10:00 Monday night during the City of Tulsa's FreedomFest fireworks display.

He was sitting on an ice chest at Veterans Park when police say his dad noticed the injury.

"What he observed,” Ashley said, “is there was blood coming from the child's head. Initially, paramedics thought it was fireworks."

Police say the boy went to the hospital and a CAT scan revealed a bullet was lodged in his head.

The doctors removed the bullet; now investigators are focused on nearby neighborhoods to find the gun and the person who fired it.

"It's very important for someone to come forward," Ashley said.

Officers say, as far as they know, nothing like this has ever happened in Tulsa before.

FreedomFest organizers issued a statement praising the work of first responders, saying:

“We partner closely with Tulsa emergency response agencies when planning outdoor public events. This includes police, fire and medical. These organizations create an emergency response plan and then handle any issues that may occur. Our community is fortunate to have best-in-class talent with our first responders who work swiftly to address incidents and keep the public safe.”

Last we heard the boy who was shot is expected to recover.

We reached out to the family who said they are asking for privacy at this time.