A Tennessee toddler is in the hospital after a stray bullet struck her in the head as she and her brother played in their backyard, authorities said.
WJHL-TV reported that Ariel Salaices, 2, of Johnson County, fell off her playset Friday after a bullet hit a metal post, then ricocheted, striking her head, according to family members.
The girl "walked to the stairs, and then collapsed in front of" her father, mom Christina Salaices, who was at work at the time, told WJHL.
Doctors at East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville believe Ariel had a stroke after the bullet hit one of her arteries, WCYB-TV reported.
Ariel’s condition was stable following surgery, according to the news station.
Johnson County Sheriff Eddie Tester said the department is investigating the shooting and trying to determine who fired the gun, the Tomahawk reported.
A GoFundMe campaign for the family has raised more than $3,000 toward a $5,000 goal. Learn more here.
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