CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A 9-year-old girl was shot and killed Wednesday in the city's Lee-Harvard neighborhood, police said.

The shooting happened about 7:30 p.m. on Lee Road and Cloverside Avenue. The shooting happened in front of a strip of businesses that include a hair salon, boxing gym and two cellphone stores.

The girl was taken to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital.

Cleveland police spokesman Det. Reginald Lanton said it was a homicide investigation.

Cleveland police officers surrounded the area and focused on three cars, including one that had several windows shattered.

Homicide detectives and the police department's gang impact unit commander, Gary Gingell, are at the scene. At least two dozen police officers at the scene.

Lee Road is closed from Judson Avenue to Harvard Avenue.

Dozens of people gathered across the street at the Lee-Harvard Plaza shopping center.

To comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments page.