Flatbush teen charged in Canarsie shooting of eight-year-old girl struck by stray bullet

A Flatbush teen was indicted late last month for attempted murder and assault after he allegedly shot a child who was sitting in a van in Canarsie in February.

According to District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, at about 5:30 p.m. on February 26, 16-year-old Tajay Richards allegedly opened fire on a group of individuals in the vicinity of Flatlands Avenue and East 83rd Street, striking an eight-year-old girl who was among a group of children sitting in a nearby van.

The bullet struck the girl in the back of the head and lodged in her skull, leaving her in critical condition.

Richards, Gonzalez said, admitted to police to firing a gun in that direction. He is charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and other related counts.

The teen was ordered held on $500,000 bail; he will return to court on May 21, at which time he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

The girl is recovering at home.

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