Jacksonville boy, 12, recalls night he was shot while sleeping

Two boys, ages 12 and 13, were shot while they were sleeping in their beds.

Only on Action News Jax is speaking with one of the boys. We spoke with the 12-year-old about the night the boys' bedroom was riddled with bullets.

“I got shot in the wrist right here. Right here and it came up right here,” said the boy, who we're calling "Tom" to conceal his identity.

Investigators say they are still searching for the shooter.

“The police was in my face with the light and I was on the ground bleeding,” Tom said about the night of the shooting.

Both boys were taken to the hospital. The 13-year-old is OK but Tom still has a long recovery ahead. The bullets hit his bones and nerves.

“It’s painful to move my fingers … but I got to. The doctors say they don’t want my fingers to get like a rock,” Tom said.

A third man was also injured. Police say they heard about 15 rounds from a rifle being fired into the building which police say was also set on fire.

In the boys' bedroom, there are still signs of graphic violence. A bullet hole just inches above one of the beds. Bullet holes fill that wall and a blood-stained bed is a stark reminder of this near tragedy.

Reporter: “Since the shooting, how has it been trying to sleep?”

“Not good. There’s no reason for kids to get shot,” Tom said.

Witnesses told police they saw a white older-model, four-door vehicle driving away. There may have been up to four people inside. And as for Tom, he no longer sleeps in this bedroom. His world is changed, but he’s thankful for his life.

“I guess I was blessed cause I’m still here,” Tom said.

Police and the family are pleading with the public to come forward with any information that could lead them to a suspect.

Cox Media Group