Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

DANIA BEACH (CBSMiami) – A 1-year-old child was shot and killed by her father overnight in Dania Beach, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

BSO said Timothy Hollis, 32, and the mother of his children, Lashunda Bowers, 34, were arguing as they drove through Dania Beach on their way to a relative’s home.

When Bowers got out of the car at West Dania Beach Boulevard at SW 8th Avenue to get some help, Hollis reportedly pulled a gun and started shooting his kids who were inside the car around 1:20 a.m. Wednesday.

“The mother left the vehicle they were in, trying to reach a relative’s home to seek aid. While in that home she heard shots being fired. When she and her relatives came out they discovered the bodies and the injured child,” said Broward Sheriff’s spokeswoman Gina Carter.

Hollis killed his 1-year-old daughter Kalila and injured his 7-year-old son Timothy Jr., police said. He then then fatally shot himself.

“This is a horrible, horrible scenario. It’s the most tragic thing that could happen. This family is completely destroyed by this. Even myself, I’m shaken by this,” said Carter.

The injured boy was taken to the hospital with what were described as life-threatening injuries.

News of the shooting stunned neighbors as they began their day.

“That’s heartbreaking. I see this little baby every day. She was a sweet little baby. She always waved ‘hi,'” said one neighbor.

“It’s very, very sad. Kids are innocent and whatever parents go through, the kids shouldn’t have to suffer for it, especially like that,” said another neighbor who identified himself as James.

It’s not known what prompted this shooting.

Another neighbor who knows the family told CBS4’s Peter D’Oench, “It hurts. This is too bad. I am decimated. It’s a great family. I don’t know what happened. It’s the aftermath but I don’t know what was going through his head.”

Department of Children and Families Secretary Mike Carroll released the following statement:

“We are heartbroken by the horrific violence perpetrated against these innocent children and we are praying for Timothy’s recovery. The family has a history with Florida’s child welfare system in South Florida and we will work closely with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Child Protective Investigations Section to examine all interactions with this family to see if this tragedy could have been prevented in any way.”

A check of records showed that Hollis had been in trouble once before. He served two months in prison in 2007 for stealing a car.

BSO says anyone with information should call Detective James Hayes at (954) 321-4231 or if you wish to remain anonymous, you should call Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477).