Independence, Oregon — On July 4, 2023, at approximately 10:30 PM, a 2-year-old child was struck in the leg by what appears to have been a falling bullet while riding in a wagon on Monmouth Street on the way home from the Independence Days celebration.
While the child and parents were making their way to their car after watching the Independence Days fireworks, the child began screaming for no apparent reason. While comforting the child, the parents discovered a puncture wound on the child’s leg. The child was driven by parents to the hospital where it was discovered that the wound had been caused by a bullet. The initial investigation suggests that the bullet fell from the sky and, although reckless, does not appear to have been an intentional act.
The child was treated for injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Independence Police Department would like to remind everyone that discharging a firearm within city limits is illegal, and extremely dangerous. Firearm safety rules should always be followed, and a firearm should never be fired randomly into the air.
This investigation is ongoing, and we need your help. If you are aware of anyone firing a gun into the air around this time or have any other information regarding this incident, please email Sergeant Gilbert at gilbert.lyle@ci.independence.or.us or call 503-837-1107.
