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Cleveland police are investigating a shooting on the 10300 block of Elwell Avenue.

(File photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland police are investigating after a man's girlfriend shot him several times in front of three children.

The shooting happened about 11:30 p.m. Monday at a house at the corner of Elwell Avenue and East 140th Street, Cleveland police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia said.

The 26-year-old victim said that he was standing outside talking to his estranged wife who was dropping off their 5-year-old daughter to visit, police said. The wife also brought her sons, ages 9 and 10.

The man's girlfriend arrived at the house and got angry when she saw the wife, police said.

The girlfriend punched the man in the head and grabbed a pistol from her vehicle, Ciaccia said. The woman fired several shots and struck the man in his buttocks and leg.

The man grabbed the gun from his girlfriend and threw it into some bushes, police said. The girlfriend got into her vehicle and drove away.

The man bandaged his wounds inside his house. He told investigators he was hesitant to notify police because there is a warrant for his arrest in connection with a traffic violation.

His family convinced him to go the hospital and report the incident to police. He went to MetroHealth about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Police made a referral to the Children Who Witness Violence program for the three children.