California boy, 4, shot to death while playing with stuffed animals

HIGHLAND, CA -- A 4-year-old boy playing outside his home in a Highland neighborhood was struck and killed by gunfire.

Sheriff's deputies responded to a call of shots fired in the 7200 block of McKinley Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. At least 12 shots were fired.

Responding deputies found the injured child on scene. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators said the boy was playing with his stuffed animals in the front yard of his home when he was shot.

"It's very sad when you come upon victims that are children, because they're innocent," said Deputy Adam Cervantes.

Detectives were interviewing possible witnesses. A motive was not known.

Investigators said they are looking for a four-door early 1990s model white Toyota Camry with black front and rear bumpers.

According to deputies, that car was at the scene when the gunfire rang out, and it's possible that the people in the vehicle were the intended targets.

Authorities are searching for the driver and a passenger in that vehicle as persons of interest.

If you have any information about this shooting, you're urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department at (909) 387-3589.