5-year-old Bronx boy in grave condition after being shot in the head on his birthday

MORRISANIA, Bronx (WABC) -- A day that was supposed to be full of joy turned into tragedy when a 5-year-old boy was shot in the head on his birthday.

The boy was shot on Washington Avenue in the Morrisania section of the Bronx just after 5 p.m. He had just finished visiting his father, and was being walked to a waiting car. While the boy was waiting for the car, a suspect fired at least four shots in the same location, striking the boy.

"I was home, I heard like four shots, I came downstairs and I heard a kid got shot," a neighbor said.

It happened in front of 1138 Washington Avenue. Police believe the father and son unknowingly walked into someone else's dispute.

"A male Hispanic in his 20s fired at least four shots at an unidentified male, black, at this same location. One of those shots struck the child," said Assistant Chief Larry Nikumen, NYPD.

The boy was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he is in grave condition.

"Nobody should have to hold their child and hope that they don't die," a neighbor said.

Police are currently questioning a person of interest.

It is unknown at this time what led to the shooting.

"I'm just asking everyone to please pray for this young man, that he makes a recovery," said Vanessa Gibson, New York City Council member.

Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement Monday evening saying,

"Absolutely heartbreaking. The city's prayers are with him and the doctors working to save his life."

The devastated father did not wait for an ambulance. He raced his son to the nearest hospital, 10 minutes away.