Gang gunfire nearly hits sleeping girl

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) - A shooting that police say was gang-related left at least one person hurt in Holland in the early morning hours of Sunday.

It happened in the 400 block of Stratford Way around 1:40 a.m. Holland police were called to the scene after they received reports of fighting and gunshots fired.

Stray bullets hit several houses in the area, including one where a 3-year-old girl was sleeping. The girl's family said the bullet was just inches above the bed where the girl slept.

"It came in through our window and it crossed two walls and exited on the stairway of our neighbors," the girl's aunt told 24 Hour News 8. The woman did not want to be identified for fear of her safety.

When police arrived at the scene they found that a 17-year-old from Holland had been injured during the fight. He was the person who fired several rounds from a .40 caliber handgun, police said.

He was treated at a hospital, released and soon arrested for being in possession of a handgun while intoxicated.

But detectives told 24 Hour News 8 bullet holes they found Sunday near where neighbors slept show them the 17-year-old gunman was not firing shots in the air. Detectives say that could lead to more serious charges.

Police said they found the man's handgun at an apartment on Stratford Way.

Authorities don't know if anyone was shot. They say no one has come forward to cooperate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Holland Department of Public Safety at 616.355.1100 or via e-mail at policetips@cityofholland.com ; call detectives at 616.355.1150; or remain anonymous by contacting Silent Observer at 1.877.887.4536.