A seven-year-old boy has been hit and killed by a stray bullet during an argument between two groups.
Yitzian Torres Garcia was struck when he was watching the Fourth of July fireworks when gunfire erupted nearby along the Courtney Campbell Causeway in Tampa, Florida.
His grandfather, Juan Carlos Hernandez, who was with him, in an attempt to protect his grandson, pulled him into his pickup truck and shielded him. But sadly a bullet penetrated the truck, injuring the grandfather's hand and fatally striking the child in the head.
The argument that led to the shooting was reportedly about the proximity of one group's jet skis to the other. The Tampa Police Department expressed anger and frustration during a press conference, emphasising the need for those responsible to surrender.
They stressed that the innocent child was not the intended target but became a victim due to the reckless actions of others.
TPD's Deputy Chief Calvin Johnson said in a press conference: "We're talking about a stray bullet. I'm sure the young child wasn't the intended target. But when folks are careless with their firearms, and they let that anger take over, and now we see what occurs.
"These innocent bystanders become a victim to something they knew nothing about. Your actions and your anger, it led to a seven-year-old, just starting his life, getting killed, because you were angry over a jet ski."
Yitzian's grandparents tearfully pleaded for justice and called for the apprehension of those responsible.
His grandmother, Marisol Ayala, told Fox News: "We just want justice for him. We want people to catch who did this to him. He was only seven years old. He had nothing to do with this.
"Help us find these people, please, because my baby is not going to come back to us. We need justice for him. These people have to pay."
Yitzian was visiting from out of state for his summer vacation and had been staying with his grandparents for several weeks.
His family described him as a happy and loving child and expressed their grief and desire for those responsible to be held accountable.
Crime Stoppers offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Additionally, the family set up an online fundraiser to support themselves during this difficult time.
His family wrote in Spanish in the fundraiser: "[Yitzian was] a cheerful, intelligent and full of life boy. His presence was felt when arriving anywhere, earning a space in every heart with his smile."
The 7-year-old's sister Yeisleen Candelario said Yitzian was happy and loving and wishes she could have her brother back.
"I wish I could’ve gone back in time and stopped him from going there," Candelario said.
As of the latest update, the police were still searching for the shooter(s) and encouraging witnesses to come forward.
