Ryan Hardy, a 23-year-old from the Antioch, California area, allegedly shot an 11-year-old girl in the head on January 5, 2026, while she sat in her father’s SUV at an apartment complex on the 3900 block of Delta Fair Boulevard. Police believe the family was not the intended target, describing it as a case of misidentification during an attempted shooting of someone else. The girl was rushed to a hospital, listed in stable condition, but suffered severe injuries including complete vision loss, as detailed in a family GoFundMe.​
Incident Details
The shooting occurred around 12:38 p.m. as the father, daughter, and three others were leaving the parking lot. A bullet pierced the passenger-side window, striking the girl. First responders met the family at a nearby shopping center and provided aid before hospital transport.​
Suspect’s Surrender
Hardy turned himself in to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office on January 12 after a week of negotiations involving his family. Authorities had identified him via video surveillance, witness statements, and forensics, and noted others assisted his evasion. He was later transferred toward Contra Costa County’s Martinez Detention Center.​
Charges Filed
By January 15, Hardy faced charges including five counts of attempted murder and assault with a firearm, with the case forwarded to the Contra Costa District Attorney. The motive remains under investigation, but police confirmed the innocent family’s non-involvement.​
Victim’s Condition and Impact
The girl remains in ICU, able to respond to voices but blind and facing long-term medical, therapeutic, and emotional recovery. Her father described her heartbreaking question, “Dad, why can’t I see?” Neighbors noted the family’s usual visibility in the community has vanished, heightening local fear. A GoFundMe highlights the family’s relocation due to safety concerns before Hardy’s arrest.​
