A 7-year-old child was taken to the hospital after being struck by what appeared to be a projectile at a playground in Barnstable, Massachusetts. The incident took place on Thursday evening, around 7:50 p.m., at a location bordered by Mary Dunn Road and Independence Drive, as reported by Boston25News.
Authorities arrived on the scene after receiving reports of the injured child, who was then transported to Cape Cod Hospital with a wound on their shin, indicative of an entry and exit from a projectile. Despite the seriousness of the event, the child fortunately was discharged after treatment and is anticipated to make a full recovery. As the investigation progresses, the Barnstable Police Department suggest the child may have been hit by a BB from a BB gun. An exhaustive search of the area was carried out immediately after the incident, but no affirmation has been made regarding this hypothesis.
Details surrounding the exact nature of the projectile and the circumstances under which the child was struck remain unclear. The site of the incident, according to a report by WCVB, is positioned between a church and an apartment complex, a layout which adds complexity to the ongoing investigation.
The Barnstable Police Department has reached out to the public for assistance, requesting that anyone with information that could shed light on the case contact Detective Christopher Botsford. In a statement, the police provided contact details, urging potential witnesses to call 774-339-0764 or send an email to [email protected] with any leads. As of now, no suspects have been identified. The responsibility, to ensure community safety and prevent future harm, falls both on the shoulders of law enforcement and the public at large in cases such as these.
