A 10-year-old boy is recovering after he was shot during an attempted robbery in Massillon on Monday.
Two brothers — ages 10 and 16 — were walking on 26th Street SE near Harold Avenue around 1:30 p.m. when they were approached by a dark-colored minivan.
A passenger in the van, only described as a white male wearing sunglasses and a hat, demanded the older boy's iPhone and shoes, according to police.
Afraid something was going to happen, the older brother tried to shield Chandler Woods, who is a fourth grader.
That's when the suspect pulled out a gun and fired one shot, hitting the 10-year-old in the right shoulder.
Chandler was taken to Aultman Hospital and then flown to Akron Children's Hospital. He has a broken arm and a shattered shoulder blade, but he was released Tuesday evening, according to his family.
Jason Domro, who is the boyfriend of Chandler's mother, said the family is counting its blessing that Chandler survived.
"It's insane. I don't understand it," Domro said. "I just hope they catch the people because who knows what happens the next time they do this? It could be fatal."
Several Massillon officers were on the streets Tuesday searching for leads on the shooting.
"If I lived in that neighborhood, I would be concerned," said Massillon police detective Jamie Slutz. "Obviously, you have to be aware of your surroundings."
At this time, no suspects have been identified.
