Girl, 10, in critical condition after being shot in head in Boyle Heights

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 10-year-old girl is recovering from surgery Saturday morning after a bullet became partially embedded in her head in Boyle Heights.

The young girl was struck in the back of the head around 6 p.m. Friday by suspects who intended to hit a man riding his bicycle, according to Los Angeles police.

She was rushed to the LAC+USC Medical Center to undergo emergency surgery. Family members said the bullet was seen partially sticking out of her head. She remains in critical condition.

Authorities said the girl was walking to a corner market with her young sister when a gunman in a car opened fire near Rodgers Avenue and Chicago Street. The little girl's sister said she tried to pick her up, but saw blood and left her there to get help.

The intended victim was not hurt and stayed at the scene where he was being interviewed by police. Moments after the shooting, some Good Samaritans rushed in to help.

"Me and this other neighbor of mine, he came out, and we were checking to see if she has any bullet penetrations and I was holding her head so she wouldn't be lying down on the concrete," witness John Perez said. "So as I moved my hand from her head, I realized my whole arm was covered in blood."

Authorities are investigating whether the shooting might be gang related. Police believe there may have been two cars involved in the shooting: one a dark-colored car and the other a white Chevrolet Impala.

Anyone with more information is urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department.