Dallas Police Meets With Neighborhood Where 8-Year-Old Was Shot

Boy was shot in face by man at child's apartment complex

Dallas police are trying to calm nerves in the neighborhood where an 8-year-old boy was shot in the face.

D.J. Maiden has been hospitalized since he was shot in the jaw Sept. 3 at his apartment complex.

Dallas police officers and detectives met with residents at the apartment complex in the 9400 block of Royal Lane on Friday. They told children and residents to call 911 if they see someone they don’t recognize hanging around the complex.

The man charged in Maiden's shooting, Brian Cloninger, 46, did not live at the apartment complex. He was seen hanging out in the parking lot before the shooting.

Witnesses told NBC 5 that Cloninger told several residents he shot Maiden in the face.

Sharon Locklin, Maiden’s grandmother, said she's leaving the apartment complex.

"If DJ doesn't feel safe here, then I have to up and provide a place for him to be safe, and he doesn't feel safe coming back here," she said. "He's still having his nightmares about this place."

Cloninger is charged him with felony injury to a child.

Police and family members don't know why he allegedly shot the boy. Witnesses told NBC 5 that Cloninger told several residents he shot Maiden in the face.

He is scheduled to be in court next week for a bond reduction hearing.

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