Parlier teen who was shot in the eye shares her story

PARLIER, Calif. (KFSN) -- An innocent teenager who was hit by a stray bullet shared how gang violence nearly cost her, her life on Thursday.

"Beyond blessed" were the two words Brianna Ramirez used to describe how she feels exactly three weeks from the day a bullet pierced her right eye.

Brianna Ramirez remained composed at a news conference even though she now only has partial vision.

"I want to start off by thanking the community, my family, my friends, softball family and the high school and the prayers, the donations and the time they took to come see me," said Ramirez. She added, "I am doing good. It goes get difficult seeing with one eye but it is not impossible. I am able to pull through."

Investigators say Ramirez was in the car with her mother only blocks from their Parlier home when they were caught in a barrage of gunfire. Detectives say a single bullet pierced her eye and the shooter in still out there.

"I do believe someone knows something but they just don't want to own up to it. Not just for my sake but my whole neighborhood's sake, I would like someone to speak up," said Ramirez.

At the news conference Sheriff Margaret Mims told us detectives are searching for one shooter. They are offering a reward for information about the suspect. Mims says there have been two other shootings in the neighborhood since Ramirez was hit.

"It's just a sad commentary that we had additional incidents that could hurt innocent victims, law abiding people like Brianna who do well in school, who have goals," said Mims.

The community is currently raising money to help the family pay for medical expenses.

Click here to donate to the GoFundMe account for Brianna Ramirez