Girl shot after watching MLK Parade

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Police in central Arkansas say an 18-year-old woman was shot and wounded when she was caught in the crossfire after she got into an argument at the city's Martin Luther King Day parade.

"I called the police because I got scared you know," said witness Martha Fuentes.

Little Rock Police spokesman Lt. Terry Hastings says a group of girls were arguing at the parade before they moved their spat to an alley. Witnesses told police two vehicles pulled up and someone started firing at people at the other end of the alley.

Witnesses told police the young woman was hit in the crossfire. Hastings said she was in stable condition after she shot in the abdomen and elbow.

Hastings said no one else was hurt.

The crime could not be ignored by those singing and preaching at a "Stop the Violence" rally at Pilgrim Valley Baptist Church. The shooting was just inches away from its doors.

"It is just a slap in the face to Martin Luther King," said organizer Rev. Bennie Johnson.

Speaking at a community forum, the police chief says he understands why the community is upset about crime.

"The reality is there are so many reasons for crime and violence to take place, its difficult to get a good plan. That's why I'm hopeful meetings like this will spur people to talk and new ideas come out," said Chief Stuart Thomas.