A 2-year-old girl fights for her life after she was hit in the head with a stray bullet

JOHNSON COUNTY, Tenn. — 2-year-old Ariel Salaices of Johnson County was on her backyard swing-set with her brother on Friday afternoon.

She suddenly fell off the slide, then walked to her porch and collapsed, shot in the head, apparently by a stray bullet.

"My emotions are everywhere," said Ariel's grandfather Michael Sawyer. "At one point I'll be really sad, then I'll get really angry but I know that's not gonna change the outcome. It's just hard."

Family are by her side as Ariel fights for her life in a children's hospital in Knoxville.

In Johnson County, sheriff deputies are working to determine who fired the shot.

Sheriff Edward Tester notes this is proof that shooting for sport is dangerous around homes.

"If you're using a firearm and doing target practice or hunting, make sure you're looking beyond where you're shooting", Sheriff Tester said. "Because that bullet may not stop where you want it to."

"The person who did this couldn't have lived that far. Whether they know they did it or not. I think with all this information out there, I think they know who they are," Sawyer said.

While the investigation continues, people in the Johnson County community are concerned.

"If you're going to use a gun you need to have the sense to know that you're not supposed to be pointing towards nobody or nothing," said neighbor Mark Lewis.

And some neighbors are sending prayers.

"When you pray for them, God knows who you're talking about," said neighbor Benny Eaton.

Sheriff Tester said there is no law in the county against shooting a firearm.

Authorities are asking for anyone with information to come forward.

You may call them at (423) 727-7761.