A 7-year-old girl got out of bed and walked to the window because she heard a noise -- and then a bullet whizzed past her, the child and police said.
The little girl in Herndon, Virginia, received only small cuts to one arm because of broken glass, but she had a close call. The bullet was found in her mattress, Fairfax County police said.
"There was, like, sounds and I didn't know what was it, and then I told my mom what is it, and she said maybe it's fireworks," the second-grader wearing pink told News4 in a small voice.
Her parents asked that she not be identified, for her safety.
Police responded to the 2100 block of Monaghan Drive about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday and found the bullet lodged in the child's mattress. A bullet hole was visible in the window, screen and blinds.
Officers canvassed the neighborhood, but no one was arrested and no information on a suspect was released.
Police do not believe the shooter intentionally targeted the home.
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Neighbor Jenny Correas said many children live in the area, including those she is raising.
"Very scary for my kids. It's a big problem," she said.
The little girl said she's now afraid to sleep in her bed.
"I'm not sure if it's going to happen again," she said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers online, by texting "TIP187" plus their message to CRIMES (274637) or by calling 866-411-TIPS (8477). They can also call the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131.
Police previously said the child was 9 years old.
