A seven-year-old wasn't safe in his own neighborhood

BURLINGTON, N.C. — The Burlington community is asking for prayers and a call to action to stop gun violence.

This comes after seven-year-old Mason Jenkins was hit by a stray bullet Thursday night.

Burlington police said the child is in critical condition. 

“This is a housing for people with kids and this is terrible,” Burlington native Barbra Harvey said. 

Jenkins is spending another night in the hospital. Burlington police said they first got a call about a dispute and a single gunshot at Beaumont Avenue Apartments. 

While on scene officers found out a child was shot. Police stress the child was not a target but a victim of a stray bullet. 

“It is definitely an impact to the community,” Harvey shared. 

Police said the seven-year-old was hit in his upper body and airlifted to the hospital. After hearing the news, community members hosted a prayer circle to uplift the child’s family. 

Cathy Dixon is a local minister in the area, she helped encourage the family through faith.

“I got to meet his little sister and I put my arms around and told her to pray for her brother Mason,” Dixon shared, “I taught her a prayer that God would touch him and heal him and deliver him and bring him out.” 

Police arrested 18-year-old Tremaine Armstrong and charged him with attempted murder. Investigators also arrested 21-year-old Kemontae Crosby and charged him for being an accessory in the shooting. 

This is an ongoing investigation.

You can contact detectives directly at 336-229-3500 or submit anonymous tips to Alamance County Crime Stoppers at (336) 229-7100 or use the mobile app, P3 Tips.