Suspects sought after 4 children shot at Orlando park

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Four children were shot while playing at an Orlando-area park on Sunday, and police do not believe it was a random act of violence. 

Investigators said three of the kids were struck in the leg and rushed to the hospital from Willows Park in Pine Hills, just after 6 p.m.  The fourth victim showed up at the emergency room.  

"We were walking down the little driveway here and heard the gunshots. It was about seven of them and right back into the house," explains Sharan Johnston. "For it to sound so close to home was unsettling."

Investigators say it remains unclear what led up to this shooting.  They say the person who called to report the incident told a 911 dispatcher that three people were shooting into the crowd.  

"I'm a little bit surprised about this, and that's why I'm out here to figure out what's going on, knocking on doors," says Sandra Fatmi, President of the Pine Hills Community Council.

As Willows Park goes though a $100 million dollar renovation, Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill says she's looking at ways to prevent crime there too.

"They are concerned, they're distraught," Hill said of the residents in the community. 

She says the victims' parents were too afraid to speak on camera and are worried about the saftey of others.

"They are concerned about the safety of their children, but also the neighborhood children and also for themselves."

"There will be special patrols at this park to prevent any future violence," said Orlando Police Chief John Mina.

Chief Mina says Willows Park is still safe for children, despite what happened, and he says his investigators have identified some suspects.

"It's important to know, it's not a random event. We did have four juveniles with gunshot wounds. Thankfully, all the wounds are non life threatening."

As they follow leads, Commissioner Hill also plans to make changes.

"I'm going to see if there might be some type of budgeting in place to have some temporary, off duty security here at the park during after school hours, maybe during the holidays and on the weekends so the kids can play safely here at the park."

Meanwhile, she says the injured teens are recovering ok.

"There is still one young lady undergoing surgery at Arnold Palmer. The other two juveniles one is in mild spirits on crutches."

Commissioner Hill says she's looking into programs for the older teens, to keep them out of the park after dark and safe.  Officers are asking anyone with information to call 911 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).