7-Year-Old Shot in Back Seat of Family Car on I-75

Loved ones say child left traumatized after shooting incident on Cincinnati highway

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

A 7-year-old boy was shot while riding in the back seat of his family's vehicle on Interstate 75 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The child, identified as Jojo, was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive, but loved ones say he has been left traumatized by the incident. Cincinnati police are investigating the shooting.

Why it matters

Shootings involving children are deeply concerning and traumatic events that raise questions about public safety, gun violence, and the need for greater protections for vulnerable members of the community. This incident on a major highway also highlights the broader issue of random acts of violence that can occur in any public setting.

The details

According to the family, someone started shooting at their vehicle as they approached the Harrison Avenue exit on Interstate 75 on Tuesday afternoon. The 7-year-old boy, Jojo, was struck by the gunfire while riding in the back seat. He was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive his injuries, but loved ones say he has been left mentally traumatized by the experience.

  • The shooting occurred on Tuesday afternoon on Interstate 75 in Cincinnati.

The players

Jojo

A 7-year-old boy who was shot while riding in the back seat of his family's vehicle on Interstate 75 in Cincinnati.

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What’s next

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, according to Cincinnati police.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on innocent children and the urgent need for greater public safety measures to protect vulnerable members of the community, especially in high-traffic areas like major highways.