Mom credits Detroit police officers' quick thinking with saving daughter's life

India Williams wounded by gunfire on Charest Street

DETROIT – The mother of a 7-year-old Detroit girl who was hit by gunfire as she rode her bike in her neighborhood got the chance Thursday to thank the two officers for saving her daughter's life.

India Williams was caught in the crossfire of bullets Sept. 14 on Charest Street when people inside two cars sped down the street and opened fire on each other. The responding officers to the scene, Eric Pengelly and Dan Balow, rushed her to the hospital in a police car.

"She's doing great. She's recovering. She went from critical to stable. So I'm just glad she's still here," said India's mother, DetroClinqute Williams.

The gunfire hit the girl's spinal cord, initially paralyzing her, but she is now starting to move from the waist up.

"As a mom, it's been hard. That's my baby. I have two others, but I wouldn't wish this for nobody," Williams said.

The mother credits the actions of Pengelly and Balow for saving her daughter's life.

"She wouldn't be here without him. If it wasn't for his quick decision, grabbing my baby up and putting her in the back of the police car, it wouldn't have happened. She wouldn't have made it. I know she wouldn't have," Williams said. "I don't care what no positions say or that she shouldn't have been touched or moved, but without him, she wouldn't have been here."

Pengelly and Balow, who work in the 11th Precinct, were honored by the department Thursday.

"They showed the initiative of what Detroit police officers do on a regular basis. They transported that child to the hospital. I believe their position, their quick action saved her life," said Detroit Police Chief James Craig.

Police have made one arrest in the case, but continue to look for more suspects.