A San Antonio boy is healing after a stray bullet struck him on New Year’s Eve. Despite safety warnings, no arrests have been made, sparking community concern.
SAN ANTONIO — A 9-year-old San Antonio boy is recovering after being hit by a stray bullet while sitting on his family’s porch on New Year’s Eve. A week later, San Antonio Police said no arrests have been made.
Sebastian Rodriguez was ringing in the new year with his family when celebratory fireworks were going off in his neighborhood. Moments later, police say, a bullet struck him in the leg.
“I just wish it didn’t happen,” Sebastian said.
Sebastian said he was sitting next to his grandmother in the front yard as family members celebrated.
“Fireworks were going on. My uncle was doing the confetti,” he recalled.
Already frightened by the sound of fireworks, Sebastian said he suddenly felt pain.
“I was just sitting next to my grandma, and then I just got shot,” he said.
He screamed and ran inside as family members rushed to help. Sebastian spent about 10 hours in the hospital, where doctors removed the bullet from his knee.
His mother said doctors told the family he was lucky. If the bullet had traveled deeper, it could have hit an artery. If it had landed a few inches higher, it could have shattered his kneecap.
“They had to go in my knee and take out the bullet,” Sebastian said.
A week later, he is walking again and slowly regaining strength.
“I am walking good,” he said. “And I think I can run.”
San Antonio police say it is still unknown who fired the weapon. This happened off Delmar Street near South New Braunfels Avenue. Authorities have long warned about the dangers of celebratory gunfire, which increases around holidays like New Year’s Eve.
In the days leading up to the new year, the Bexar County district attorney and San Antonio police chief reminded residents that celebratory gunfire is illegal in Texas. Firing a gun recklessly within city limits is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $4,000 fine and as much as one year in jail.
When asked this week whether any arrests had been made or if there were suspect descriptions, San Antonio police responded in an email with a brief statement: “No updates at this time.”
Sebastian’s mother said a detective told her investigators plan to canvass the area for possible Ring or surveillance video.
As for Sebastian, he is focused on healing and returning to being a child.
“I just watch TV most of the time,” he said. “Sometimes I play with toys.”