DETROIT – A 9-year-old boy was shot in the head Saturday on Detroit's west side, police said.

Malik Cosey was sitting in his grandmother’s car at a home in the 15000 block of Murray Hill Street, near Keller Street, when he was shot.

"He's an innocent kid. Just speak up," Tiana Holcomb, the victim's aunt, said, urging the shooter to come forward. "What if it was your kid?"

Cosey and two other children, ages 7 and 11, were waiting to go to the movies. Police said his grandmother was in the house when the gunfire occurred.

Police said several shots were fired toward the car before the shooter sped off.

"Like nine shots, and we were in the house with all the windows closed and we could hear it," neighbor Charlene Hawkins said.

At least one bullet pierced Malik in the head. The other children were not physically hurt.

"I've been praying for him every since I found out," Holcomb said. "He's just a joyful kid. He was just ready to go to the movies. That's all he wanted to do."

Police don't believe the car full of children only was the intended target.

"It was purposely meant for somebody, but a mistake. It happened to an innocent child," said Alonte Sims, the victim's uncle.

The boy was taken to a hospital by his father, police said. His condition was unknown.

Police are searching for a silver or gray Dodge Magnum with tinted windows. A witness followed the car from the scene, and it was last seen near McNichols Road and Outer Drive.

As they search for clues in the neighborhood, investigators hope those with the guns think before pulling the trigger.

"Certainly all these shootings should stop. There's a better way to solve disputes than use a gun," Deputy Chief David LeValley said.