2 children shot while playing in a yard in Oregon

GRESHAM, Ore. (KATU) — Two children were shot Wednesday evening, according to police in Gresham, Oregon.

The children are expected to survive. Police said they are three and five years old.

The shooting happened around 7:30 p.m. Officers marked at least 15 shell casings in the middle of the street

Police said one child was shot in the foot and the other in the ankle while they were playing in a yard.

While preliminary information indicated it was a drive-by shooting, police said they don't know and they are still investigating.

Given the nature of the shooting and the fact gun violence has increased dramatically in the metro area this summer, everyone at the scene was stunned.

"I was actually in the car with another sergeant when we heard that. It’s just heart-wrenching to hear that children are being shot," said Gresham police spokeswoman Officer Malaka Kerbs.

"It’s just crazy, man. Everybody stay safe, stay aware, stay vigilant of your surroundings, especially nowadays, you never know," said Limihai Iongi who lives nearby.

Iongi's family has lived in the area for 20 years. He said they moved here to escape violence in California. He said he heard the shots but first assumed they were fireworks. Then he heard police responding and he knew it was something worse.

Police have not released information about a suspect.