Pregnant teen injured in Toledo shooting as family says bullet nearly missed baby

An Ohio teenager who was 26 weeks pregnant was shot and left paralyzed during a robbery after she and her boyfriend went to meet someone they had connected with on Snapchat, according to police and her family.

The 18-year-old Toledo resident, identified by her family as Angel, was involved in the shooting on June 6 when she and her 19-year-old boyfriend traveled to Greenway Avenue in Toledo to meet the person they had communicated with online.

Authorities said a man dressed in all black approached their vehicle while carrying a gun and demanded money.

During the confrontation, Angel’s boyfriend attempted to take control of the weapon, and the gun fired.

Angel’s mother said her daughter was struck by the bullet in her left arm before it traveled through her side and became lodged in her chest.

At the time of the shooting, Angel was nearly six months pregnant. Her family said the bullet narrowly missed the baby, calling it a blessing.

However, the injuries left Angel facing a difficult recovery. Her mother said the teenager suffered a spinal fracture and is now paralyzed, while also dealing with limited use of her right arm.

“She has a spinal fracture at the 12th vertebrae, so she’s paralyzed now,” Angel’s mother told local news outlets.

“And that’s going to be difficult enough — because she can’t really use her right arm either — and she’s got a baby on the way.”

Following the shooting, police searched the area but had not located a suspect, according to reports. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Angel’s family has launched a fundraiser to help cover medical expenses, baby supplies and accessibility changes needed at home, including wheelchair accommodations.

According to the fundraiser, Angel went into early labor following the shooting. Her family said doctors were treating the situation as urgent because the baby could potentially arrive much earlier than expected.

The fundraiser shared that Angel was awake and eating while receiving care, adding that she was focused on protecting her baby while adjusting to the reality of her injuries.

Angel’s family described her as staying strong despite the circumstances, saying she is fighting for both her recovery and the future of her child.

Her mother said the family is preparing to support Angel and her boyfriend as they navigate parenthood while also helping Angel adapt to life after the shooting.

“It’s the worst feeling in the world — to see your kid suffering and not being able to do anything about it,” her mother said.