SANFORD — August 1, 1996 - 7:05 p.m. EDT

For many children, the neighborhood serves as a big, safe playground. But that sense of safety was shattered Wednesday when a gunman shot a child playing in a yard.

Nine-year-old Robert Phillips was playing in his yard Wednesday evening when several shots were fired. One of the shots hit the child in the side. He was treated and underwent surgery Wednesday night at Central Carolina Hospital. While family members wait for his recovery, neighbors worry about the safety of their neighborhood.

Lisa and George Harris say they won't take chances any more. They say they now fear for their own children's safety.

The Harris family, and others in the area, now sit outside and watch while their children play.

Regina McIntyre, another concerned parent, says she's taking play more seriously now.

Parents say the children have not really been affected yet by Wednesday's incident because the sound of gunshots has become common.

Now, says Lisa Harris, things have gone too far.

Police have not yet made an arrest because, they say, they're having trouble finding out who fired the shots. Some parents told WRAL-TV5'sTerri Grucathat while they heard the shots, no one saw who fired them.