Coby Daniel, a 6-year-old child, was retrieving his back from Ryan Le-Nguyen’s property over the weekend when the Asian neighbor allegedly shot him in the arm and threatened him with a sledgehammer, Fox 2 reported. The shocking incident occurred in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, located about 13 miles southeast of Ann Arbor, and nearly resulted in the young Michigan boy’s death.
According to Fox 2, the boy’s father stated that there had been tension between his kids and Le-Nguyen in the past, saying that in one instance, he witnessed the man trying to throw one of his children’s bikes into the trash.
Arnold Daniels also told the news outlet that the incident started when one of his kids left their bikes outside of their Asian neighbor’s home. Coby then attempted to retrieve it when he was allegedly confronted by a sledgehammer-wielding Le-Nguyen, who exchanged words with the 6-year-old before going back into his home.
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Coby was then shot through the arm by Le-Nguyen, who aimed at him through his front window, Fox 2 reported. An older child yelled for someone to call an ambulance after hearing Coby’s screams.
Soon after, the young Michigan boy was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical staff told his family Coby could have died if the bullet was angled differently. Luckily though, he was released from the hospital after being treated for his gunshot wound. Le-Nguyen was arrested and charged with assault and intent to murder, Fox 2 reported.
This unfortunate event brings a spotlight to racial prejudice and anti-blackness, which other minorities can also weaponize. Anti-blackness in the Asian community is an often contested topic, brought back to life amidst passed legislation designed to combat COVID-19 related violence against Asian people.
An Ypsilanti Township man, who allegedly shot a six-year-old neighbor, is out on bond.
The boy’s father says he is afraid for his family.
MORE: https://t.co/DWhRG67aBA via @FOX2News #Michigan
— Ron Hilliard (@RonHilliardTV) June 9, 2021
Many people reference the 1991 murder of Latasha Harlins when bringing up the topic. 15-years-old at the time, she was accused of stealing a $1.79 bottle of orange juice. In a manner of seconds, she was tragically shot in the head and killed by a female Korean convenience store owner, sparking outrage and riots in the Los Angeles area the following year.
But there are also the more nuanced examples of anti-blackness, including everyday microaggressions and non-violent displays of racial prejudice.
Le-Nguyen posted his surprisingly low $10,000 bail a few days after his arrest, something that doesn’t sit well at all with Coby’s family.
“I’m trying to figure out he got a bond so low for trying to kill my kid,” Arnold told Fox 2, adding, “I’m scared for my family because I don’t know what he’s capable of,”
Coby is continuing to recover at home and is expected to be ok.
