Community unites around 9-year-old injured in Renton shooting

BURIEN, Wash. – The boy who was shot in a suspected street fight Friday afternoon is recovering at Harborview Medical Center. Police are still searching for who shot the boy.

The boy’s parents Isaiah Johns, 9, said he was still in the ICU, but had to be extubated today. They say that he is an optimistic, cheerful and strong boy. Right now, his friends and family want him to know how loved he is.

Dante Harley, Head Coach of Knightz Football Academy, said: “It’s like when you take the heart out of the body, it’s the same thing. It’s hard to keep going.”

Harley coached Isaiah for two years.

“He’s the leader in our team as a midfielder, and everything he does, he pulls us together, warms us up. He’s truly heart and soul. of this team,” said Harley.

Isaiah was in the car with his parents, sister and cousin when he was shot in the face and chest Friday afternoon in Renton.

“I was at work when it happened, I started crying and ran out the door,” Harley said.

The Washington State Patrol called it a suspicious incident of road rage.

Isaiah’s grandfather, Michael Snyder, said: “This changed not only Isaiah’s life but everyone in his family,” said Isaiah’s grandfather.

Initially arriving at Harborview with life-threatening injuries, Isaiah is getting better every day. Snyder said it was a miracle Isaiah was alive and thanked the staff at the hospital.

“He’s a champ and he’s going to make it through,” Snyder said.

Isaiah’s sister, Mya Johns, wants him home, “I want him to feel better in the hospital.”

“He is strong, he can fight anything and he can win every football match,” said Kingston Corpuz, Isaiah’s football friend and teammate.

Isaiah’s parents say the boy communicates through the whiteboard and can hold the ball. His family is hoping he recovers quickly so he can return to the field with his team.