7-year-old girl dies after being struck in the head by suspected drive-by shooters

PONTIAC, Mich. (TCD) -- A 7-year-old girl died over the weekend after she was shot in the head during a suspected drive-by shooting.

According to WDIV-TV, on Friday, March 18, the victim, Ariah Jackson, was in the backseat of a car coming home from school when an SUV reportedly pulled up next to Jackson’s mother’s vehicle and opened fire. A bullet reportedly grazed the mother’s head, but she was released from the hospital after turning down treatment. Three other children, ages 6, 7, and 11, were in the car at the time and were not injured.

Ariah reportedly died that day from her injuries.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said in a video statement he believes the shooting is a "continuation of gang violence."

He added, "It is so unacceptable and so wrong on so many levels."

Bouchard said in the video, "We have a dead 7-year-old because of these cowards driving by and randomly shooting and killing a child."

According to WJBK-TV, the mother reportedly saw an orange SUV drive by when she picked up Ariah and her nieces from the bus stop. When the mother pulled into the driveway, the orange SUV reportedly returned and shot at the car.

Bouchard said, "All too often we see gang members seeking to perpetrate violence against rivals strike innocent victims in the process. This is completely unacceptable, and the tragic loss of this child will not be tolerated. If you carry or use a gun illegally in furtherance of criminal activity, we are coming for you."

WJBK reports Oakland County Sheriff’s Office investigators identified a person of interest in the shooting.

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