Family speaks out after 9-year-old hit in drive-by shooting in West Valley City
Jan 9, 2022, 4:08 PM | Updated: Jun 8, 2022, 5:30 pm
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A 9-year-old girl is recovering in the hospital after she was hit during a drive-by shooting in West Valley City Saturday night.
The Rodriguez family told KSL TV they don’t understand why they were targeted, but are grateful it wasn’t worse.
In surveillance video, you can hear several shots, followed by a white truck speeding away. Berlin, 9, was left bleeding on the kitchen floor of her West Valley City home in the 1500 block of Calvo Drive.
Coming up on @KSL5TV at 4… A West Valley City family recounts the terrifying moments when a bullet went through their home and hit 9-year-old Berlin.
Praying for this precious little girl. pic.twitter.com/K2DOBE33bs
— Kiersten Nuñez (@KierstenVNunez) January 9, 2022
Berlin’s aunt, Maritza Rodriguez, said Berlin was in the kitchen making dinner with her mom when a bullet went through the cupboard, hitting Berlin in the arm and going through her side.
“Thank God that nothing worse happened,” she said. “I’m just glad it didn’t hit her organs or anything.”
And while Rodriguez says her niece is very strong and will get through this, Berlin now doesn’t want to go back home.
“They’re not safe here anymore,” Rodriguez said.
The incident remains under investigation.
Around 7 p.m. Sunday, officials with the West Valley City Police Department said the 9-year-old girl is improving, according to a report from her family.
“No update regarding the suspect(s) at this time, however, investigators have developed good leads and are following up,” read a tweet from WVCPD.
Anyone with information has been asked to call police at 801-840-4000.
The child injured in a drive by shooting last night has improved. The child’s family reports the child is doing well. No update regarding the suspect(s) at this time, however, investigators have developed good leads & are following up. If you have info, please call 801-840-4000. pic.twitter.com/FBI0Df3gbx
— WVC Police (@WVCPD) January 10, 2022
