NJ Man Charged in Shooting That Wounded Young Boy

Authorities say the wounded boy was not targeted in the shooting and was hit by a stray bullet as he walked with his mother

Monday, Jan 14, 2013 | Updated 8:45 AM EDT

NJ Man Charged in Shooting That Wounded Young Boy

Attempted murder charges have been filed against an 18-year-old New Jersey man who allegedly opened fire on a Plainfield street this week, shooting a 5-year-old boy in the face.

Eighteen-year-old Jose Rodriguez of North Plainfield also faces weapons charges stemming from Thursday afternoon's shooting. He was arrested early Saturday at a Piscataway home, and it was not known if he has retained a lawyer. His bail had not been set as of Saturday afternoon.

Authorities say the wounded boy was not targeted in the shooting and was hit by a stray bullet as he walked with his mother. He remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

A motive for the shooting remains under investigation.