As Houston gears up for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, one family is pleading for an end to celebratory gunfire after a 12-year-old girl, Ashley Rodriguez, was struck by a stray bullet on Christmas Eve.
Ashley, along with her mother, Alejandra Moncada, spoke exclusively with KPRC 2, sharing their traumatic experience in the hopes of preventing similar incidents in the future. The family’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers posed by celebratory gunfire, especially during the holiday season.
The Unthinkable Incident
Ashley and her mother had just left a relative’s apartment in their complex on Glenmont Drive when the unexpected and devastating event unfolded. As they walked outside, a stray bullet struck Ashley in the leg, leaving her in excruciating pain.
Initially, the pair didn’t realize what had happened. Amid the sounds of nearby firecrackers, Ashley felt a sharp sensation. “It felt hot. I thought it was a firecracker. I was looking for water to cool it down,” Ashley explained. It wasn’t until someone approached her and informed her that she had been shot that she understood the severity of the situation.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) believes the shot was fired during celebratory gunfire. Moncada said she did not hear gunshots before her daughter was struck, noting that “the gun supposedly had a silencer,” which could have muffled the sound of the gunfire.
Rushed to the Hospital
A quick-thinking neighbor who witnessed the incident offered to drive them to the hospital. However, the drive quickly took a terrifying turn. The car skidded on wet roads and crashed near Westpark Drive and Hillcroft Avenue. Emergency responders from the Houston Fire Department quickly arrived at the scene and transported Ashley to the hospital.
Doctors confirmed that Ashley’s injuries, while serious, were non-life-threatening. The bullet that struck her leg remains a painful reminder of the ordeal. Doctors have informed Ashley that it could take up to three months for her to fully recover.
A Heartfelt Plea for Change
Holding the bullet that pierced her leg, Ashley expressed her gratitude for still being alive but urged others to reconsider the tradition of celebratory gunfire.
“We want people to stop using that way to celebrate. There are many other forms to celebrate,” said Alejandra Moncada, Ashley’s mother. “People could be hurt just like me and don’t have the same luck as I did,” added Ashley.
The family’s emotional plea comes as Houston Police continue to search for the person responsible for firing the gun that struck Ashley. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A Warning to the Community
Ashley and her mother are hopeful that their story will serve as a warning to others. The dangers of celebratory gunfire, often dismissed as harmless, have the potential to cause irreparable harm. With the holiday season in full swing, both mother and daughter are hoping that their experience will help prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, this family’s heartbreaking ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible celebrations. Let Ashley’s story be a cautionary tale about the consequences of celebratory gunfire – a tradition that could leave lasting scars, both physical and emotional.
