Antioch: Suspect identified in shooting of 11-year-old girl

ANTIOCH – A suspect has been identified in the shooting of an 11-year-old girl earlier this week in Antioch, police said.

Ryan Hardy, 23, should be considered armed and dangerous, Antioch police Lt. William Whitaker said in a news release.

“Members of the public are advised not to confront him,” Whitaker said. “Anyone who sees Hardy in public or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately.”

Whitaker said detectives identified Hardy as a suspect through a “combination of video surveillance, witness statements and forensic evidence.”

Detectives also identified several people who helped Hardy evade police, Whitaker said, adding that those individuals — and anyone else who “knowingly assists” Hardy in the future — will be arrested on suspicion of being an accessory after the fact.

The shooting happened Monday afternoon in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 3915 Delta Fair Blvd. The girl was hit in the head while riding in a car with her family.

Officers found the car at a nearby shopping center and provided first aid to the victim until relieved by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District personnel. The girl was then rushed to Children’s Hospital Oakland, where she was listed in stable condition.

In a news release Monday, Lt. Gary Lowther said “the family does not appear to have been the intended targets.”

Anyone with information related to the case can contact Detective John Cox at 925-481-8147 or jcox@antiochca.gov.

Check back for updates.