Parlier residents come together after teen struck in eye by stray bullet

PARLIER, Calif. (KFSN) -- Emotional community members came together in Parlier on Saturday as a 16-year-old girl remains in a medically induced coma after being shot.

Brianna Ramirez was shot in the eye by a stray bullet on Thursday. Police believe the shooting near Tuolumne and Fett streets was gang-related.

It's a pre-season clinic for the Apaches softball team, but instead of a game day cheer it's a moment of silence that deafens the crowd. Second baseman Ramirez would've been starting at Saturday's game versus the Central Grizzlies. But instead her teammates are praying for her recovery, as her jersey hangs in the dugout.

"For me personally it's very emotional. Like I said she's such a great kid and it's hard to see her in that state," said Stephanie Weathers, the victim's softball coach.

Ramirez is the latest victim to get caught in the crossfire of a gang-related shootout. She was shot in the eye while riding in a car with her mother Thursday night. Early Saturday, a special city council meeting was held so concerned neighbors could voice their outrage.

"I dread the day they knock on my door and say, 'Your son is laying out there.' Please community come together, speak out, say something," said Trinidad Pimental, a Parlier resident.

Since the shooting, Parlier Police Chief David Cerda said a reward system has been created that will hopefully lead to the arrest and conviction of suspects. Since Friday, they've raised $6,000 and counting. Several city council members opened up their checkbooks during the meeting for the cause.

"We are doing everything in our power to prevent the proliferation of gangs, prevent the gun violence," said Cerda.

Police still haven't found any suspects in the shooting, but off the field Ramirez's team members are just hoping for the safe return of their second baseman.

Family members say Ramirez may get her vision back, but at this point it's too early to tell. There is a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.

Parlier's city manager also announced at Saturday's meeting that the community is creating an anonymous tip line for crimes. They've also hired four new police officers since cutbacks two years ago.