3-Year-Old Florida Boy Fatally Shot At His Birthday Party; Police Searching For Suspect

A 3-year-old child from Florida was fatally shot at his own birthday party Saturday, police said.

The police are searching for the suspect who fatally shot Elijah LaFrance during a party arranged for him and his little sister, reported NBC Miami.

Miami Dade police were alerted Saturday night by ShotSpotter, a system that detects and tracks gunshots.

The officers who responded to the scene found the boy suffering from a gunshot wound. He was immediately taken to the hospital but did not survive, CBS Miami said in a report.

A 21-year-old woman, who has not been identified, was also shot at the party. She is in stable condition and is expected to survive her injuries.

The incident happened following some kind of altercation outside a short-term rental on NE 158th street after 8 p.m., police said. The suspect reportedly took out a gun and started shooting.

A neighbor told the outlet that he had heard 20 to 30 gunshots, one of which had stricken his car. He also said that his roommate had seen the suspect shooting.

Alfredo Ramirez, director of Miami-Dade Police, said those behind the shooting will be found and held accountable. He also expressed his condolences to the family of the victim.

Daniella Levine Cava, mayor of Miami-Dade, released a statement following the incident. "There are no words to describe the immense loss & anger our community is feeling. We will do everything we can to bring this murderer to justice & we must stand together to demand an end to this cycle of tragedy," she said in a tweet.

Police called the incident a "disgusting act of violence." They have not provided any information about the possible shooter and the investigation continues.

The investigators are seeking help from the public to locate the suspect. Anyone who has information may call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.