Father Shoots Toddler In Chest

**TXCharlie** · 02-25-07, 11:32 PM

http://cbs11tv.com/topstories/local_...056175214.html (video on web site)

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Raquel Eatmon Reporting

(CBS 11 News) DALLAS A three-year-old is recovering after police said he was shot in the chest by his father. It happened around 4:40 a.m. at the 9200 block of Cold Springs in Dallas.

As of Sunday afternoon, the child was in stable condition.

A neighbor said she noticed problems between the couple before. But now Tricia Deal feels helpless, unable to help the neighbor she regards as a friend.

Deal said the couple lived at the residence for more than 10 years. Early this morning, Deal and her family were awakened by police. They were told the toddler had been shot in the chest.

Police say the child's mother and father had gotten into an argument and the woman tried to leave with the toddler. Authorities said that's when the 40-year-old man fired several shots with a hand gun at his wife. One of the bullets struck the toddler in the chest.

The child was taken to Mesquite Medical Center and later transported to Children's Medical Center in Dallas. The father was taken into custody without incident. There is no word on what charges he will face.

Deal said she had noticed domestic problems with the couple before, but it never escalated to this level.

The couple also has a 12-year-old son. It's unclear if that child was in the house at the time. As of Sunday afternoon, police had not been able to locate him.