Sgt. German Barrios of the Tulare Police Department said that a group of children, ages 4-16, were playing in the front yard of a home when three suspects pulled out guns and started shooting toward them.
The gunfire struck a 4-year-old twice, and police say the child is recovering.
"That 4-year-old was transported to a local hospital and eventually airlifted to Valley Children's Hospital," Barrios said. "Detectives worked throughout the night and into the next day. During their investigation, they learned that a total of four suspects were involved, three of them who produced firearms and fired at the children who were playing in that area."
Police say the four suspects ran off, and detectives reviewed surveillance video, which helped with the investigation.
That led to the arrest of three boys, ages 16 and 17.
"The following day, detectives were able to identify a residence of interest in the 800 block of South Q Street here in Tulare," Barrios said. "Upon their approach to the house, three individuals attempted to flee. One of them was quickly apprehended by detectives and was found to be in possession of the firearm. The other two went back into the house and barricaded themselves for quite some time. Despite the loudspeaker's announcements to come out of the house, they refused."
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the home, and with the help of the SWAT team, were able to arrest all involved.
Two guns were also recovered, and two of the four teenage suspects were known to police.
"It's unfortunate. The reason why these individuals shot at those kids is currently unknown, and that is something detectives are still working to figure out," Barrios said.
The Tulare Police Department said the investigation could take weeks, if not months, to complete. They encouraged anyone with information to contact the lead detective on the case.
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