Submitted Photo The image above comes from the Crime Stoppers poster announcing that it is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect or suspects involved in the Collins shooting.

OBSERVER Staff Report

COLLINS — Authorities are seeking assistance after a 7-year-old child was shot while sleeping in his bed.

At approximately 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, Erie County sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence on Main Street in the town of Collins for shots fired. Officers observed an injury to a child and one bullet hole in the dwelling’s exterior and interior wall.

The 7-year-old boy was transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital via ambulance.

By 3 a.m. the attending physician notified the Sheriff’s Office the victim was in stable condition. He continues to remain in the hospital.

At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, officials said the boy was sleeping when he was grazed in the rear, upper thigh area. Several gun shots were heard by the two of the five people who occupied the residence. Both of the boy’s parents were inside. Law enforcement also said they were going door-to-door talking to neighbors about the incident in the area.

Officials at the briefing said it appears to be a “targeted action,” though it is not known who the intended target was. They believe the bullet holes are from a small-caliber round.

This is an active investigation, and detectives are asking if anyone has information about the incident to contact the Erie County Sheriff’s Office at 858-2903 and refer to CL# 20-012891.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect or suspects involved in the shooting. Their number is (716) 867-6161.