Child, 9, shot in leg while sleeping in Santee apartment

SANTEE, Calif. — A 9-year-old child was injured early Saturday morning after gunfire struck an apartment in Santee, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting at around 3:16 a.m. at an apartment complex located at 1225 Graves Ave.

Authorities say at least one round penetrated the apartment, striking the child in the leg while he was sleeping. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The sheriff's office said the 9-year-old was in stable condition and was expected to be released from the hospital by Saturday night.

Officials have not classified the incident as a drive-by shooting but confirmed that gunshots hit the residence. It remains unclear whether the apartment was targeted or if the shots were fired randomly.

The sheriff's office said no one else in the apartment complex was injured by the gunfire.

Sheriff’s detectives have launched an investigation into the shooting. No suspects have been identified by deputies at this time.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the sheriff's department at 858-565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at 619-235-8477.